Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden

A hybrid cultivar of the Western US native Calycanthus occidentalis and the Asian Calycanthus chinensis, Calycanthus x ‘Aphrodite’ has large maroon blooms that can reach up to 4 inches in diameter. These blooms emit a sweet fragrance, as do the leaves of this native woodland shrub. Endemic to the Southeast, light is less important to this plant than soil composition.

Comfortable in full sun to deep shade, Calycanthus prefers moist, loamy soil rich in organic matter and will struggle in areas of high sand content or prone to drought. Dense foliage and a mature height of up to 12 feet make it a prime candidate for use as screening. Resistant to temperature extremes, insect damage, disease, and deer, this shrub makes an excellent addition to home gardens. (Thanks to Will Ferrell for the correction!)