Sweetshrub Calycanthus 'Aphrodite'

Water

Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the root zone is moist, typically requiring about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During the first growing season, it is important to establish a deep and extensive root system, so water more frequently, like twice a week. Once established, sweetshrub can tolerate some dryness between watering sessions, so you can reduce frequency to once a week or once every two weeks, bearing in mind to adjust according to rainfall, temperature, and humidity levels. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water more often to prevent stress. It’s better to water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and ensure that the plant has sufficient moisture throughout the day.

Light

Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot provides it with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably the morning light, which is less intense than the afternoon sun. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' prefers temperatures in the range of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but any colder may cause damage to the plant. The maximum temperature it can withstand is approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit, beyond which the plant may experience stress.

Pruning

Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' is pruned to shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, as this is when the plant is still dormant. Thinning out some of the older stems encourages more flowers and vigorous new growth. Remove only about a third of the wood in a single season to keep the plant healthy and well-shaped.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost or peat moss, and one part perlite or sand is recommended for optimal growth and blooming.

Repotting

Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' is not commonly grown in containers and thus does not have a specific repotting schedule. It is typically planted directly into the garden, where it can remain without repotting. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' is adaptable to ordinary outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It will thrive in the natural humidity found in its growing regions without the need for additional humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part shade, provide space, mulch, and water.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Sweetshrub 'Aphrodite' begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in spring or early summer. Once the seedling emerges and establishes itself, it enters a period of rapid vegetative growth, developing a strong root system and foliage. In subsequent years, the shrub continues to mature, growing larger and developing its characteristic structure with multiple stems. As it reaches maturity, usually within a few years, 'Aphrodite' produces fragrant, magnolia-like red flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators to facilitate reproduction. After pollination and fertilization, the plant produces fruits that mature by late summer or fall, dispersing seeds to complete the cycle. In its mature phase, which can last many years, the shrub enters a cycle of seasonal growth, maintenance, and dormancy, with pruning and environmental factors influencing its vigor and lifespan.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Calycanthus 'Aphrodite', commonly known as Aphrodite Sweetshrub, is best propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. To propagate by cuttings, start by selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem and making a cut about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity around it. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and once they are established, the new Aphrodite Sweetshrub plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.