Aphrodite Sweetshrub (Calycanthus 'Aphrodite')

Aphrodite Sweetshrub (Calycanthus 'Aphrodite') is a dense, upright deciduous shrub with large, glossy bright green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Large, fragrant dark red flowers have a magnolia-like appearance and provide summer-to-fall interest.

Grow in full sun to part sun and moist, well-drained acidic soil. Calycanthus flowers are pollinated by beetles.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous shrub
• Listed mature height: 4–6 feet
• Listed mature spread: 4–6 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9
• Light: Full sun to part sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained and acidic
• Flowers: Large, fragrant dark red blooms
• Season of interest: Summer and fall
• Foliage: Glossy bright green leaves with yellow fall color
• Habit: Dense and upright

Care and garden use

Keep the soil moist and do not allow it to dry out. Prune after flowering as needed.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, foundation plantings, hedges, or suitably sized containers. Pair with weigela, maiden grass, or rose where growing conditions suit each plant.

Image credit: Photos by Proven Winners, Aphrodite Sweetshrub. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.