Photo of Calycanthus chinensis flower by J.G. in SF

Photo by J.G. in SF

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Calycanthus chinensis

Also Known As

  • Calycanthus sinensis
  • Sinocalycanthus chinensis
  • Sinocalycanthus sinensis
  • Chinese Wax Shrub

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 6'-10'

planting zones

  • 4a-10b

More Options

Calycanthus chinensis plant details

Calycanthus chinensis is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer pink and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Calycanthus chinensis

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: calycanthaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: distinctive veining, rare

GROWING CONDITIONS for Calycanthus chinensis

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Very rare (aka Sinocalycanthus) and very lovely in spring when 3" flowers, white-flushed-pink with a yellow center, nod from its bright tips; this 5-10' shrub is pretty again in fall when its foliage turns yellow. S-PSh/M
Blooms: spring-summer, white-Magnolia like, aromatic foliage Zone 4-9. 10', China, shade-sun, moist, well drained
Formerly known as Sinocalycanthus. The Chinese counterpart to our native Carolina Sweetshrub, this species lacks the fragrance but more than makes up for it with beautiful pink tinged white camellia like flowers in June and July. Grows to 8-10' tall and wide.
This rarely offered shrub has large, broad, green leaves. The foliage has very heavy veining and looks evergreen even though it isn't. This recently introduced plant has white flowers with white thick-textured petals. The flowers look somewhat like a single camellia in June.
One of the oldest known flowering plants with fossil records dating back to 144 million years. “Chinese Wax Shrub” is related to “Carolina Allspice” (C. floridus) of the eastern U.S. This very rare species, native to Zheijang Province of Southeast Asia, makes a lovely rounded upright shrub 6’-8’ tall with extremely pretty flowers. 3” across, with white- flushed pink, thick, waxy outer petals & bright yellow inner petals, the blooms nod from branch tips from April to June. High ornamental, the glossy dark Camellia-like leaves are up to 4” across & turn yellow in the Fall. It’s deciduous & thrives in rich, humusey soil & part shade, but will probably accept full sun in coastal zones like ours.

Gardening facts about Calycanthus chinensis plant

How to Grow Calycanthus chinensis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
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