Chinese Wax Shrub Calycanthus chinensis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Sinocalycanthus chinensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- kal-ee-KAN-thus chi-NEN-sis
- Description
-
Chinese sweetshrub is a deciduous shrub native to China in the sweetshrub family (Calycanthaceae). Its native habitat is woodlands along streams at elevations of 1,900 to 32,000 feet. The species epithet is Latin for “of China.”
Chinese sweetshrub grows best in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Keep the soil evenly moist and protect it from winter cold when temperatures drop below 20°F.
Chinese sweetshrub has a dense, rounded form reaching 8 feet tall and wide. It has glossy green leaves that are rough to the touch. Somewhat similar to camellias, the 2- to 3-inch showy flowers appear in springtime. The outer tepals are white with a hint of pink. The light yellow inner tepals have a waxy appearance. The flowers are pollinated by small beetles. It has become a rare species in the wild; its survival will not be guaranteed without intervention.
Use this shrub in borders, as a specimen or as a foundation plant in an Asian, cottage or woodland garden.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect, disease or other problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Calycanthus
- Species:
- chinensis
- Family:
- Calycanthaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Used in the landscape as a shrub or small tree.
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern China
- Wildlife Value:
- Small beetles pollinate the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Fragrance
- Shade
- Textural
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are top-shaped capsules enclosing many large seeds. They have long, silky hairs. They overwinter on the shrub.
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- The creamy pinkish-blue to white outer portion of the petals. Yellow inner portion with maroon markings. Yellow stamens. Blooms resemble camellias.
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Rough
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The 6-inch leaves are a glossy dark green. They have a bit of roughness on the upper surface.
-
-
Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Dark Gray
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Older stems have gray to gray-brown bark.
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- Insect Pests
