If you are looking for a large shrub for your garden that also has showy flowers, the calycanthus It is the perfect choice in your case. Because it is easy to care for, has an elegant appearance, produces curious flowers, and gives off an intoxicating aroma.
In addition, it is a plant that likes the sun, so it is a good addition to gardens that receive many hours of sun each day, even in summer (if it is not too hot). If with these characteristics alone you already know that it may be of interest to you, continue reading to learn more about this shrub and how to care for it.
Everything you need to know about calycanthus
As we said before, we are talking about a shrub that can reach a large size. It is native to North America, where it extends from the southeastern United States to Mexico.
Within its place of origin we can find it in very different habitats ranging from humid forests to sunny slopes, because it has a great capacity for adaptation. It can live in different types of soil and resist very varied climatic conditions, always looking its best.
Precisely in its place of origin, in North America, calycanthus is a highly appreciated variety, because it has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
But Due to its great beauty, it has also conquered gardening lovers. And it is increasingly common to see it in all types of gardens since, in addition, it turns out to be a very easy shrub to care for.
Another feature that we must highlight is that it is very resistant and long-lived. If you plant it in your house and take good care of it, You can enjoy it for decades.
As a particularity, keep in mind that this is a plant that is pollinated mainly by beetles. So don't be surprised if you see them near your plant, pLet them do their job, because they are contributing to the improvement of the environment.
What physical characteristics does calycanthus have?
Many shrubs are similar to each other, especially if we see them at times when they do not have leaves. But each of them has particular characteristics that make it unique, and in the case of calycanthus these are the following:
- Foliage and leaves. We appreciate the first distinctive characteristic of this shrub when looking at its leaves, because they are opposite to the stem, which gives symmetry to the plant. With a shape that can go from oblong to oval. The margins are entire and have a shiny dark green color.
- Flowers. Without a doubt, the most striking thing about this plant is its flowers. It does not have petals but rather waxy-looking tepals that surround the floral center. These tepals are usually dark red, but in some cases they can be almost brown. Flowering occurs between spring and early summer.
- Height. This is a tall shrub, because it can grow between two and four meters in length, which is a higher height than other similar varieties reach.
- Compact structure. The development of the branches and foliage gives the calycanthus a fairly compact structure, in which the branches intertwine with each other in an elegant way, creating a rounded and well-proportioned structure.
- Cortex. The bark of this shrub is also of interest, because it can vary from brown to light gray. When it peels, which usually happens, it adds even more visual interest to the plant.
- Fruits. After flowering, the bush produces fruits that, although they are not too striking, do attract attention. Within them we can find seeds to reproduce the calycanthus.
- Aroma. An outstanding characteristic of this plant is the enveloping and fragrant aroma given off by its leaves and flowers.
Basic calycanthus care
If you take good care of this bush, it will reward you with the beauty of its flowers and its irresistible aroma, so it's a fair deal. To have it at home for decades and decades, You can follow these care tips:
Lighting conditions
This shrub likes full partial light, and grows well in locations where it receives indirect sunlight or partial shade. It can also withstand direct sun exposure, but we must be careful with this if we are in especially hot regions, since the leaves could burn.
Planting medium
It is essential that the substrate used for this plant has good drainage capacity, because the accumulation of water in its roots can destroy it.
It is also good that the soil is rich in organic matter, so that the bush can feed on the nutrients produced by decomposition this.
Watering calycanthus
After planting, and until settlement occurs, it is important to water regularly. Making sure the substrate is evenly moist and never become completely dry.
Once it is established, The shrub is resistant to drought, but it is still beneficial that you provide it with moisture so that it looks its best and continues to grow.
Fertilization needs
This is not a plant that requires a large amount of nutrients, so fertilization should be quite moderate. You can add some balanced fertilizer in spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Pruning and propagation
You can perform annual pruning in early spring to maintain the size and shape of the bush. Additionally, at any time of the year, you can remove branches that are dead or damaged.
Regarding its reproduction, take advantage of the moment of pruning to cut branches that have soft wood and thus obtain new plants. Put the cutting in rooting hormone for a few days, and then plant it in a suitable substrate and follow the care we are seeing.
winter protection
If you live in an area with very cold winters, be careful to apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant before the extreme temperatures begin. Although this plant can tolerate cold, It never hurts to give it a little extra protection.
Calycanthus is an original, beautiful and easy-to-care shrub. Without a doubt, it is a good choice for your garden. Did you already know him?