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CALYCANTHUS
Commonly known as California spicebush, Californian allspice
A genus of 3 deciduous shrubs from woodland and streambanks in eastern China and USA.
One of the few plants that rely on beetles for pollination as they evolved before winged insects. They are attracted by the spicy scent and are trapped within the nectarless flowers. After pollination the tepals relax allowing the insect to escape.
Used medicinally by American Indians and also for arrow shafts.
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DeciduousOval to oblong-lance-shaped dark-green leaves to 20cm (8in) long, sometimes turning yellow in autumn.
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RedBrownish red
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Height3m (10ft)
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Spread4m (13ft)
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Tall ShrubVigorous, spreading shrub. Produces dark-red flowers 5cm (2in) across with linear, brown-tipped petals.
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full sun
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowBark has a strong camphor smell when scraped.Pests & DiseasesNonePlace of originUSA (California)
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HardinessFully hardy
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Scented PlantsScented flowersScented foliage
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilHumus-rich
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eaten(People & Pets)
3m (10ft)
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4m (13ft) |
Buy Varieties of CALYCANTHUS
CALYCANTHUS 'Aphrodite'
exceptionally large, fragrant red flowers, re-blooming
CALYCANTHUS chinensis
large magnolia-like flowers white on the outside and yellowish inside with maroon markings at the base. Very rare
CALYCANTHUS floridus
(fertilis) - shiny green leaves with attractive deep carmine magnolia-like flowers.
CALYCANTHUS floridus 'Athens'
fragrant pale yellow long lasting flower. Slow growing
CALYCANTHUS floridus 'Burgundy Spice'
glossy, dark-purple leaves and fragrant deep red flowers.
CALYCANTHUS raulstonii 'Hartlage Wine'
this is a new and extremely rare hybrid between Calycanthus and Sinocalycanthus. The flowers have a wine-red centre and white outsides
CALYCANTHUS 'Venus'
four inch wide white flowers with yellow and purple central markings. Strong scent