Overview
Calycanthus 'Venus' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Calycanthus, part of the Calycanthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Calycanthus 'Venus' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Eastern North America.
About
Calycanthus 'Venus' is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the Calycanthaceae family. It typically grows to a height and spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered positions with south, west, or east-facing aspects. It adapts well to a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained, and can tolerate acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. 'Venus' is notable for its interest throughout spring, summer, and autumn.
About the genus
Calycanthus, called sweetshrub, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Calycanthaceae. The genus includes two to four species depending on taxonomic interpretation; three are accepted by most 21st century sources.
Wikipedia contributors, "Calycanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calycanthus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calycanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Calycanthus 'Venus' size, habit and characteristics
- 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
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Eastern North America
- Fragrance
- Fragrant, sweetly scented flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calycanthus 'Venus'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; benefits from shelter from strong winds; mulch in winter to protect roots.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; remove dead or damaged wood in late winter or early spring.
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calycanthus 'Venus'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; benefits from shelter from strong winds; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Calycanthus 'Venus'?
Calycanthus 'Venus' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Calycanthus 'Venus' need?
Calycanthus 'Venus' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Calycanthus 'Venus'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; remove dead or damaged wood in late winter or early spring.
How big does Calycanthus 'Venus' grow?
Calycanthus 'Venus' reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Calycanthus 'Venus' hardy in the UK?
Calycanthus 'Venus' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Calycanthus 'Venus'?
Softwood cuttings, Seed.