Chinese Sweetshrub

(Calycanthus chinensis)

Chinese Sweetshrub (Calycanthus chinensis)

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Summary

Calycanthus chinensis, commonly known as Chinese sweetshrub, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to forest margins and stream banks in Southeast China, particularly Zhejiang Province at elevations of 1,970 to 3,280 feet. It typically grows up to 10 feet tall and wide, featuring aromatic, broadly ovate leaves. The plant is notable for its nodding white flowers with pink and purple markings that bloom in late spring to early summer, adding a showy element to the garden. The bark is gray-brown and can add winter interest.

Chinese sweetshrub is valued for its fragrant flowers and foliage, which can provide a pleasant scent to gardens. It is often used as a specimen plant or in mixed borders. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained, moist, acidic soils and is hardy in USDA zones 6-8. It benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture and requires full sun to part shade for optimal growth and flowering. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-8 feet
  • Width: 6-8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

Forest margins and stream banks in Southeast China

Other Names

Common Names: Xia La Mei , Chinese Strawberry Shrub , Chinese Wax Shrub

Scientific Names: Calycanthus chinensis , Sinocalycanthus chinensis

GBIF Accepted Name: