Calycanthus ‘Venus’ (Sweetshrub)

Valued for the sweet, fruity fragrance of its flowers, Calycanthus ‘Venus’ (Sweetshrub) is a compact, dense, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub boasting large, fragrant, creamy-white flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), adorned with yellow and purple central markings. Resembling magnolia blossoms, they are produced in abundance at the ends of short branchlets in late spring with some sporadic continued bloom until midsummer. The lustrous foliage of dark green oval leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), turns an attractive golden yellow to caramel-yellow in fall. All plant parts are fragrant – including leaves, seed pods, and bark which exude a spicy scent when crushed.

• Grows up to 5-7 ft. tall and wide (150-210 cm).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Provide shelter from cold, drying winds.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, foundation plantings, and woodlands. Plant it where you will be able to enjoy its perfume daily: near a doorway, along a path, near your patio or deck. Flowers are long-lasting on the shrub and also make good cut flowers. They can also be dried and added to potpourri.
• No serious insect or disease problems. Deer resistant!
• No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.