Species Chinese sweetshrub
Off-white flower with yellow center, pink-white buds, lime-yellow stems, green leaves, yellow midrib and veins.

Chinese sweetshrub

Calycanthus chinensis

The Chinese sweetshrub is an amazing plant species that has a unique, pleasant smell. It has vibrant maroon blooms, glossy green foliage, and several use cases. The leaves, bark, and flowers of this deciduous shrub contain a variety of antioxidants which makes it attractive for medicinal purposes. It's also a drought-tolerant plant and does well in full sun or partial shade areas. It's one of the most versatile plants for the garden and can be used as an ornamental border plant or as the centerpiece of a garden bed. An added bonus: it may even attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Pinkish-white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red,brown Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Chinese sweetshrub should be watered regularly every 1-2 weeks throughout its growing season (May-September). It prefers moist, but not soaked conditions, so the best way to water is to soak the soil deeply, allowing the top few inches to dry out before watering again. During periods of drought, it will require a bit more water, so be sure to keep an eye on the soil and water when necessary. In the winter months, Chinese sweetshrub can go more than a month between waterings, so water sparingly at this time.

sunlight

Chinese sweet shrub typically prefers to grow in a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours each day. It can, however, tolerate a bit of partial sun or partial shade, especially in hot climates. If planted in partial shade, the Chinese sweet shrub may not reach its full potential in terms of size or flower production. To maximize the size and flowering capabilities of the Chinese sweet shrub, it is best to plant it in an area that receives the full sun for most of the day.

pruning

Pruning Chinese sweetshrub (Calycanthus chinensis) is best carried out in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. The goal when pruning isto improve flowering and to maintain a compact natural shape or hedged look. Deadheading of flowers may also be done after flowers fade. Prune out any dead, diseased, or damaged branches back to the healthy wood.Remove any shoots which are growing vertically, especially from the center of a mature shrub, as they will detract from a naturally compact shape.Where necessary, thin out branches to open up the shrub's center and give it a light airy look. Finally, lightly shape the plant as needed to keep it looking neat and tidy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Calycanthus chinensis typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Calycanthus chinensis is in July and August.

Hardiness Map