'Aphrodite' Sweetshrub Calycanthus x

Very disappointed in this plant. This is the third summer I've had it and it has never bloomed. It is in mostly sun in zone 8b. The other full sun plants in the same bed are doing great. I'll likely dig it up and get rid 9f it. It's not a very attractive shrub.

I’ve grown this plant near East Longmeadow for 5 years, and in Westfield Massachusetts for 3 years. These are very cold hardy plants, and they flower for me from late May until early-mid October. When you crush the leaves you get a scent of vanilla, sugar, & a sweet herbal scent as well. They Really seem to thrive in moist but well draining soil. They’re great to Xerscape with because they can provide shade to surrounding areas. The one at my relatives in E. Longmeadow has grown about 9’ wide and about 12’ tall. They can & will grow this tall as our 3 year old one has easily surpassed 9’ this year. Love this shrub & everything about it! After 5 years, it finally produced seeds but very few in nature, very long process to grow from seed but worth trying! The Only downfall may be the size, can get big! If you have the space then all for it! And, the second downfall is, sometimes after some brutal winter/early spring wind/snow storms, they might lose a branch or two. If they lose a branch, I use “Neem oil” to spray where it lost the branch, and then either “tree prune sealer” or even “wilt Pruf” to seal the cut after applying the organic fungicide. This helps protect the plant.

This plant caught my attention during a visit to the local arboretum. The flowers were very eye catching in both color and size. I purchased one as soon as I could. I was impressed with how fast it grew, and it bloomed the second year. It is planted in what I would consider less than ideal soil. The soil is heavy and compacted, but the 'Aphrodite' calycanthus seems to be doing just fine. It continues to grow and bloom. The flowers are very showy with sort of a pineapple scent. Very pleased that it is deer resistant too!

I admit, the larger than usual blooms on this Calycanthus tempted me, and I bought a large plant. The staff at the nursery said that none could smell it. I had no trouble with this, but found that its fragrance is very light, unlike other Calycanthus that I have known. Before planting in-ground, I'll move it about to see if the fragrance is sunlight/temperature dependent. If fragrance isn't of big importance to you, by all means try Aphrodite. It is a truly beautiful shrub and its blossoms are stunning.

I love this plant, when it warm outside in the evening it smells like stawberries.