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Calycanthus chinensis

Chinese sweetshrub

A medium-sized, densely branching, deciduous shrub, to 3m high and 4m wide, with large opposite leaves, broadly elliptical to obovate, to 15cm long, glossy green turning bright yellow in autumn. Nodding flowers, to 7cm across, are borne on the ends of shoots, in summer. They have white, overlapping petals in a shallow cup shape round a second ring of smaller, narrower, pale yellow petals, maroon at the base, which protrude to form a tight crown round yellow anthers

Other common names
Chinese sinocalycanthus
Synonyms
Sinocalycanthus chinensis
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Calycanthaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Calycanthus are deciduous shrubs with simple, aromatic leaves and solitary, fragrant flowers in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or with some midday shade and shelter from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or root softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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