About

Calycanthus chinensis is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub that typically reaches heights of up to 3 meters and can spread to 4 meters wide. It features large, opposite leaves that are broadly elliptical to obovate, measuring up to 15 cm in length. The foliage is a glossy green that transforms to a vibrant yellow in the autumn season. In summer, this plant produces nodding flowers approximately 7 cm in diameter, which bloom at the tips of the branches. The flowers consist of white petals that overlap in a shallow cup shape, surrounding a second layer of smaller, narrow petals that are pale yellow with maroon bases, creating a distinctive crown around the yellow anthers.

About the genus

Calycanthus are deciduous shrubs featuring simple leaves that emit a pleasant aroma, along with solitary, fragrant blooms that appear during the summer months.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

2.5-4 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden

Native to

China

Toxicity

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

Care notes

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

Pruning

Pruning group 1

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

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)