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AWARD WINNING

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photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

AWARD WINNING

‘Aphrodite’

Sweetshrub

Calycanthus

'Aphrodite'

PP#24,014

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Close up of maroon Calycanthus Aphrodite flower Comparison between Calycanthus Aphrodite and Calycanthus Hartlage Wine blooms Calycanthus Aphrodite in landscape Close up of maroon Calycanthus Aphrodite flower YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Long blooming
  • Showy flowers
  • Fast growing
Description

Are you looking for something special to set you apart from the competition? Add 'Aphrodite' calycanthus to your plant palette. This fast-growing, easy-care sweetshrub is a stand-out plant in any garden or landscape. Very large, showy flowers resemble red magnolias, appearing amid glossy, tropical-looking foliage for months every summer, many times lasting into fall. The abundant ‘Aphrodite’ sweetshrub blooms really pop in cut flower arrangements. Its flowers are fragrant, though the scent is highly subjective - ask around your staff and see what everyone smells! A beautiful, carefree plant for large spaces developed by Dr. Tom Ranney at NCSU. ‘Aphrodite’ is fast to produce and always in demand.

Awards
Theodore Klein Award, University of Kentucky Arboretum, 2021
USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
6 - 12'
Width
6 - 12'
Finish Time
.5 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Red
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
4", Quick Turn

Soil

Adapts to most soils; moist soils with organic matter are preferred.

Pruning

Aphrodite' can be pruned, but is best planted where it can be allowed to achieve its full size.

Uses

Mixed borders; perennial beds; hedges; foundation plantings; screening and privacy.

Growing Tips

Grow in well-drained, acidic media. Flowers on old wood, so late-season trimming the season before sale should be avoided. Large foliage necessitates larger containers for best results. Benefits from a protected site and/or heavy mulch in colder end of its hardiness range.

  • Plant of the Week: ‘Aphrodite’ Calycanthus: May 31, 2018
  • Spec Sheet: Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ spec sheet
  • Benchcard: Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ benchcard
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week July 22, 2021
  • Tag: Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’
  • Grower Sheet: Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ grower sheet

    • Features: Reblooming, Cut flower, Fragrant, Deer resistant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Calycanthus, Common name: Sweetshrub, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Red flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Reblooming, Cut flower, Fragrant, Deer resistant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Calycanthus, Common name: Sweetshrub, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Red flowers, Green foliage