With its aromatic, clove scented foliage and fruity fragrant blooms Calycanthus floridus is simply irresistible. Single, dark red, water lily-like flowers, up to 5cm across, are produced from June to July. Blooms release clouds of scrumptious scent and are followed by intriguing seedpods. Flowers were often used, because of their sweet scent, to freshen sock drawers and are wonderful when used as an ingredient in potpourris. Intriguingly, twigs can also be dried, then ground up to use in the same way as cinnamon. Foliage is held from April to October each year and, as with the bark, has a strong camphor smell.Calycanthus Floridus is a trouble free, easy-going compact shrub which remains relatively unknown. Plants prefer a spot in moist, well-drained soil which benefits from full sun or partial shade. Reaching a mature height of 2.7m with a spread of up to 3m, this is a hardy, herbaceous shrub which has the added benefit of a golden autumnal display before becoming dormant over winter.
Flower and Foliage Months
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Foliage Month
Flowering Month