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Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite'

Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite'

Spicebush Aphrodite

synonym Calycanthus 'Aphrodite'

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Description

Calycanthus x raulstonii “Aphrodite” (spicebush Aphrodite) is a hybrid spicebush created from a cross between Calycanthus chinensis (Chinese spicebush) and Calycanthus occidentalis (American spicebush). This cultivar was developed in 2011 by Professor Thomas G. Ranney at North Carolina State University. Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' can eventually reach a height and width of approximately two to four metres, forming a bushy, densely branched, round to slightly upright crown. 

The lush leaves of Calycanthus x raulstonii “Aphrodite” are glossy, oval to elliptical, green in colour and the largest in proportion to other spicebushes. In spring, they often have a bronze glow and in autumn the leaves turn an attractive golden yellow. The flowers are large, deep red (sometimes almost wine red) with broad tepals, firm in structure and reminiscent of magnolia flowers in shape. Because they are on longer stems, they are more noticeable and bloom from May to July, about two weeks later than Calycanthus x raulstonii “Hartlage Wine”. Their scent varies from fruity to imperceptible, depending on the time of day and the age of the flower. The fruit is less conspicuous; after flowering, woody capsules with seeds develop. The bark of the shrubs is grey-brown and the twigs are green.  

Calycanthus x raulstonii “Aphrodite” is ideal as a solitary shrub in gardens, as part of mixed borders or hedges in parks, or in larger planters. The combination of flower shape, foliage and fragrance gives it a somewhat tropical feel. The preferred soil type is rich, well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. A location in full sun to partial shade is recommended; in very warm growing locations and full sun, some shade in the afternoon may give the best results.

Types of planting

Tree types

solitary shrubs

Other types of planting

undergrowth

Use

Location

park central reservation in containers roof garden large garden small garden patio cemetery

Pavement

none none

Characteristics

Crown shape

rounded rounded

Crown structure

dense dense

Height

2 - 4 m

Width

2 - 4 m

Winter hardiness zone

5B - 9B

Aspects

Wind

slightly tolerant to wind

Soil

loess sabulous clay peaty light clay sand loamy soil

Nutrient level

moderately rich in nutrients rich in nutrients

Soil moisture level

moist wet

Light requirements

sun partial shade

pH range

acidic neutral alkaline

Host plant/forage plant

bees butterflies

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Photos

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multi-stem multi-stem
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' multi-stem
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
leaves leaves
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' leaves
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
flowers flowers
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' flowers
leaves leaves
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' leaves
leaves leaves
Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Aphrodite' leaves

Flowers

Flowers

star-shaped striking big spicy scented

Flower colour

red-violet

Flowering period

May - July

Leaves

Leaf colour

buds bronze green underside pale green

Leaves

deciduous ovate obovate big polished scented with contusion

Autumn colour

yellow pale yellow golden yellow yellow-brown

Fruits

Fruit colour

brown green

Fruits

discrete capsule

Bark

Bark colour

grey-brown

Bark

smooth

Twigs

Twig colour

green

Twigs

bare

Root system

Root system

shallow

For and by green professionals

The TreeEbb is a platform for and by green professionals, in which we collect knowledge and experience from the sector and make this available for users. All the details and photos are free to use for non-commercial purposes. Want to share your tree knowledge? Send photographs and additional information to treeebb@ebben.nl

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Soil
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Extreme environments
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Stage of succession
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Winter hardiness

A plant's winter hardiness is the coldest area in which it is frost-resistant. This is based on the average annual minimum temperature. Winter hardiness zones are thirteen different frost zones in steps of 5.5 degrees Celsius. This format is an international standard for the hardiness of plants. The zones in which the plant is frost-resistant are always included in the description of trees and other vegetation.

Winter hardiness is a genetic characteristic and is not influenced by the location in which the plant is cultivated. This means that a plant that has been cultivated for many years in winter-hardiness zone 6 but has a winter hardiness of 3 is perfectly suited for replanting in a colder zone. It will thrive there thanks to its genetic characteristics.

When choosing planting for a project, the winter hardiness of the plants is extremely important. By choosing species that match the zone in which the project is being created, it is possible to ensure that plants can withstand the minimum temperature in that area.

Winter hardiness map
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