Calycanthus 'Aphrodite' Sweetshrub

Calycanthus ‘Aphrodite’ is a multi-stemmed hybrid sweetshrub with glossy foliage and large magnolia-like purple-red flowers. Its flowers have a light fruity fragrance and can rebloom over several weeks in late spring and early summer, making the shrub a distinctive specimen or border plant. ## Flowers and form The exact cultivar is documented in [U.S. Plant Patent PP24014](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP24014P3/en) as a hybrid between Calycanthus chinensis and C. occidentalis. The patent describes large purple-red flowers with yellow tips and a light fruity fragrance; [Saunders Brothers](https://www.saundersbrothers.com/plant/Calycanthus-Aphrodite) describes the flowers as red and fragrant. Commercial size guidance is about 5–6 feet tall and wide, while the patent reports 3–4 metres for mature plants observed in field conditions. Treat these as differing observations and allow generous room rather than pruning the shrub to a fixed dimension. ## Siting Grow in sun or partial shade in ordinary, well-drained garden soil. A position with room for a broad, multi-stemmed crown suits its natural form. Its spring and early-summer flowers are especially visible near paths, patios, or mixed shrub borders. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and during extended dry periods. Remove dead or damaged wood as needed, and prune after flowering if shaping is necessary. Avoid heavy routine pruning, which can reduce the display and obscure the plant’s natural branching structure.