Calycanthus floridus - eastern sweetshrub
DESCRIPTION
eastern sweetshrub
Calycanthus floridus
There is so much to love about this shrub. The burgundy, wine-red blossoms, leaves and twigs are all fragrant. The sweet aroma attracts numerous insects that in turn attract large numbers of birds. The dense branching habit provides nesting and cover for a wide variety of birds and other small animals. It is adaptable to a wide range of light and soil types. Try to plant it near your outdoor living space where you will be able to enjoy the fruity scent. Brown seed capsules mature in fall and can persist through winter for winter interest. This is a delightful, easy-to-grow shrub that belongs in every garden.
Benefits
- Unusual, wine-red flowers bloom in spring and early summer
- Valued for the sweet, fruity fragrance of its flowers
- The fragrance attracts numerous insects that in turn attract birds
- Use dried flowers, leaves, and twigs to make potpourri
- Lustrous, dark green foliage turns golden-yellow in autumn
- Sweetshrubs have no serious insect or disease problems
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Found in wood openings and edges, stream banks and moist hillsides.
Native range derived from The Biota of North America
INTERESTING FACTS
There seems to be variation in the amount of fragrance the blossoms have from plant to plant. The fragrance is also believed to become stronger as the shrub matures. If possible smell the flowers before purchasing.
GROWING TIPS
Highly adaptable to many soil types but prefers moist soil in light shade. Maintenance is easy. If needed, prune branches after the plant flowers. No serious pest or disease problems.
Mature Size: 6-9' Tall x 6-12' Wide
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
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Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download