Calycanthus Aphrodite

CAAD Sweetshrub

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.


Large Magnolia-like Fragrant Blooms
Bring dramatic flair to your garden with large, fragrant, magnolia-like blooms in rich burgundy-red. More compact and floriferous than traditional Sweetshrub varieties, Calycanthus Aphrodite features glossy dark green leaves that transform to golden yellow in autumn. This fast-growing shrub adapts well to various conditions, making it perfect for woodland gardens, mixed borders, hedges, or as an accent near patios and walkways. Abundant blooms summer into fall excel in cut flower arrangements. Winner of the 2021 Theodore Klein Award from the University of Kentucky Arboretum.

Minus icon Plant Type Shrubs

Minus icon Height Tall 6-12'

Minus icon Spacing Plant 6-12' apart

Minus icon Bloom Time Early Summer to Early Fall

Minus icon Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Minus icon Growing Zones 5-9

Minus icon Soil Type Normal, Sandy

Minus icon Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Proven Winners

These varieties have been proven in trials around the world to be vigorous and easy to grow. Best of all, Proven Winners are known to be absolutely covered with vibrant, long-blooming flowers.

Special Features

  • Beneficial for Pollinators
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Deer Resistant
  • Fragrant
  • Long-Blooming

Botanical Name

Calycanthus x 'Aphrodite' (PP24,014)

Calycanthus General Information

Calycanthus, commonly known as Sweetshrub, produces magnificent blossoms that resemble water lilies or magnolias, typically in burgundy-red, though some varieties offer pink, yellow, or white flowers. Their sweet fruity fragrance makes them ideal near outdoor living areas and entrances as a specimen plant or in mass for a hedge. Beyond their ornamental value, these deciduous shrubs play an important ecological role in the garden. They attract pollinators like bees and beneficial beetles, serve as larval hosts for certain moths, and provide valuable nesting sites and cover for birds and other wildlife. Foliage matures to a golden yellow in autumn.

Calycanthus Plant Care

This low-maintenance shrub thrives in partial to full sun and adapts to both acidic and alkaline soils, though it prefers moist, well-draining conditions enriched with organic matter. While drought-tolerant once established, consistent moisture during the growing season ensures the best flowering display. Prune immediately after flowering, as blooms form on old wood. Apply mulch to retain moisture and control weeds, keeping it away from the stem. Choose a protected site in colder zones and provide afternoon shade in hotter climates. Plant where it can reach its full size without restriction.

Minus icon All potted plant material is restricted from shipping to Idaho

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October