Calycanthus Simply Scentsational
Calycanthus 'Simply Scentsational' photo courtesy of Springmeadow Nursery
Carolina Allspice, Sweetshrub

We have grown the species form of Calycanthus in our garden for many years and it never fails to attract attention when in bloom. 'Simply Scentsational' has ben selected and refined over an 18 year period by Spring Meadow's Tim Wood.  The blooms of this North American native are an intriguing deep maroon and appear in abundance through late spring and summer. The blooms are powerfully fragrant, even when they are wilted. According to the breeder as soon as you come near 'Simply Scentsational' calycanthus, your nose knows that this is something special. It is the Calycanthus that actually lives up to - maybe even exceeds - the oft-described (but seldom smelt!) hints of pineapple and bubblegum in the fragrance. 

  • Height: 1.5-1.8 m (5-6 ft)
  • Spread: 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft)
  • Hardiness: Zone 4-9
  • Sun or Shade: minimum of 4 hours of direct sun
  • Bloom Time: spring to summer
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: deep maroon
  • Critter Resistance: deer

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Sweetshrub thrives in a partial shade area of our display garden. When planted in full sun it may not get as tall as when planted in part shade. Because cold winds and late frosts can damage spring growth try to position the plant in a sheltered location. Because it is fragrant consider planting it near an entrance, a patio or a walkway. Even though this shrub tolerates many different types of soil, growing it in dry soil may result in slower growth. Ideally, grow it in a loamy soil that's rich, deep and drains well but still retains moisture. Working a 5 cm (2 in) layer of compost into your soil can help promote drainage and add nutrients.

 

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