Calycanthus
Discover Calycanthus at Proven Winners®! These special plants are known for their abundant fragrant magnolia-like flowers that provide colour and atmosphere for months. Great in borders but also beautiful as a specimen plant.
Calycanthus (spicebush) – summer eye-catcher full of fragrant flowers
Calycanthus, also known as spicebush, is a deciduous shrub native to North America and Asia. The plant is known for its exotic-looking flowers, which resemble magnolias in shape but appear in the middle of summer. Flowering often lasts for weeks, and some varieties give off a delicious, fruity scent.
What makes Calycanthus so special?
Calycanthus is a shrub you won't soon forget. Its fresh, glossy leaves look beautiful throughout the season, and in summer it produces striking flowers that immediately catch the eye. While many shrubs have already finished flowering by then, Calycanthus is just entering its most beautiful phase.
It is a strong and hardy shrub that easily grows into a striking feature in the garden. Depending on the variety, it can grow to between 1.8 and 2.5 metres in height. The flowers appear in shades of pink, red and burgundy and immediately attract attention due to their size and shape. Most varieties also have a wonderful fragrance!
Why Calycanthus is right for your garden
This special shrub combines ease with beauty. It blooms in summer, is reliably hardy, and requires little maintenance. You can plant it alone as a spectacular eye-catcher, but it also looks beautiful in a mixed border or in a scented garden.
Proven Winners® has developed two striking Calycanthus varieties to date that demonstrate the versatility of this shrub. Calycanthus Aphrodite stands out with its large, exuberant flowers and very long flowering period, while Calycanthus Simply Scentsational® is known for its delicious, strong fragrance. Together, they prove that Calycanthus is not only beautiful to look at, but also surprises your senses.
Where does Calycanthus feel at home?
Calycanthus thrives in a sunny to semi-shaded spot. The more sun, the richer the flowering. Nutritious, slightly moist but well-drained soil ensures the best results. Plant it in a spacious hole, water the roots sufficiently when planting, and allow for a distance of 1 to 1.5 meters, depending on the desired layout.
Hassle-free maintenance
This shrub is easy to maintain and very strong. Give young plants some extra water during dry periods and provide them with a layer of compost or organic fertilizer in the spring to stimulate flowering. Pruning is not necessary, but if you want to limit the size, prune the plant in early spring. Remove old/dead branches to keep the shrub healthy.
Calycanthus in your garden
Calycanthus is a real mood maker that is just a little different from most shrubs. With its shiny leaves, unusual flowers, and wonderful fragrance, it brings color and life to the summer. Whether you choose the exuberant flowers of Aphrodite or the strong fragrance of Simply Scentsational®, you will always bring something special into your home. Plant it solo on the patio, combine it in a border, or give it a place in a scented garden: Calycanthus feels at home anywhere and is guaranteed to give your garden its own character.
FAQ
Is Calycanthus hardy?
Yes, Calycanthus is very hardy. The Proven Winners® selections Aphrodite and Simply Scentsational® are suitable for temperatures down to around -25 degrees.
How big does Calycanthus grow?
Depending on the variety, Calycanthus can grow to a height and width of around 1.8 to over 2.5 metres. Simply Scentsational® remains more compact, while Aphrodite grows somewhat larger.
When does Calycanthus flower?
It flowers in summer, often from June onwards. The flowers can last for weeks or even months, adding colour to the garden during the hottest months.
Does every Calycanthus have a scent?
Not every selection has the same strong scent. Some give off a subtle fragrance, while Simply Scentsational® has been specially selected for its intense aroma.
Where is the best place to plant Calycanthus?
Choose a sunny to semi-shaded spot with nutritious, well-drained soil. The shrub flowers most profusely in full sun.