Sweet Shrub Calycanthus 'Venus'

Plant breeders at NC State University have been busy reinventing our native sweetshrub.  Thanks to Dr. Tom Ranney, this white-flowered hybrid is available for Carolina gardeners to enjoy.  'Venus' is a hybrid of Calycanthus floridus (Carolina allspice), Calycanthus occidentalis (California sweetshrub) and Calycanthus chinensis.

Like our native deciduous sweetshub, this plant will grown in sun or partial shade.  Due to its hyrid vigor, 'Venus' needs room to grow and in moist soil it will reach a height and spread of 5 feet.  It produces dozens of ivory-colored flower buds that open almost pure white.

Although sweetshrubs are not generally considered mainstream landscape plants, hybrids like 'Venus' should become increasingly popular with gardeners.    It is tolerant of damage by deer and clay soils.  Use it as a specimen, in a shrub border, naturalized area or in a patio planting where its sweet floral fragrance can be enjoyed.  It can also be used in a shrub border or as a foundation planting.  Once you see it in flower, you'll understand why it is a showstopper!