Sinocalycanthus chinensis

Chinese sweetshrub is only one species of its own kind, closely related to calycanthus floridus which originates in America. This one comes from China where it belongs to endangered species. In European nurseries it is still very rare.

It is cultivated for beautiful flowers and attractive leaves. The flowers are cup shaped, rather large: up to 7cm across, and usually have 10 white or only light pink-flushed petals on the outer ring, and another ring with dwarf, light to deep yellow petals in the centre, surrounding the short stamens. Deciduous leaves are large, too, they can be up to 15cm long, fresh green and glossy. Flowers are followed by interesting seed-pods which look like a luncheon bag and hang on the plant often until spring.

It grows moderately into a rounded shrub of the same height and spread. Pruning is possible from end winter until early spring. If you encounter grayish spots on flower buds or darker spots on leaves the plant may be infected with a fungi disease (usual after too wet and warm weather) and should be treated against it without delay to prevent from damaging the beauty of flowers.

Grow sweet shrub in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or some shade for part of the day. It will be happy if given a location sheltered from cold, drying winds. However, it is fully hardy to about -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 15-02-2009