Calycantus

The genus Calycantus, often mistakenly referred to as the species Chimonanthus early-maturing (Chimonanthus rhaesoh), consists of four shrubby root-springing species growing to a height of 3.5 m. It is characterized by leaves with a smooth edge. Sepals and petals of large fragrant flowers are colored the same way, in chestnut or reddish-chestnut color. Calycantus fertilis or Calycantus glaucus, is distinguished by glossy leaves and reddish-chestnut flowers that bloom throughout the summer. The Purple variety is characterized by the presence of purple leaves on the underside. Calycantus floridus has a rounded crown. Oval or elliptical leaves are pointed at the ends, on the underside they are lighter and pubescent. If the leaves are ground while drying, they emit a pleasant aroma. In the period from May to August, large single flowers of reddish-chestnut color bloom. Western calycantus (C. occidentalis) is a larger plant than other species. The leaves are oval, slightly pointed, and rough. Throughout the summer, very large dark red flowers bloom in groups of 3.

The genus Calycantus, often mistakenly referred to as the species Chimonanthus early-maturing (Chimonanthus rhaesoh), consists of four shrubby root-springing species growing to a height of 3.5 m. It is characterized by leaves with a smooth edge. Sepals and petals of large fragrant flowers are colored the same way, in chestnut or reddish-chestnut color.

Calycantus fertilis or Calycantus glaucus, is distinguished by glossy leaves and reddish-chestnut flowers that bloom throughout the summer. The Purple variety is characterized by the presence of purple leaves on the underside.

Calycantus floridus has a rounded crown. Oval or elliptical leaves are pointed at the ends, on the underside they are lighter and pubescent. If the leaves are ground while drying, they emit a pleasant aroma. In the period from May to August, large single flowers of reddish-chestnut color bloom.

Western calycantus (C. occidentalis) is a larger plant than other species. The leaves are oval, slightly pointed, and rough. Throughout the summer, very large dark red flowers bloom in groups of 3.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Calycantus are grown in the open ground as ornamental shrubs. For 3-4 years, young plants can also be cultivated in pots on balconies and terraces. However, in the future it is better to plant them in the ground in the air. Calicanthus does not make special demands on the soil, although it prefers fertile, rich in organic matter, moist, well-drained. Calcareous soils are also suitable for the plant. When planting, apply organic fertilizers of 5 kg per plant. When growing in pots in the substrate used (1/3 peat, 2/3 of fertile land and a little sand) add 15 g of complex fertilizer per bucket of soil. During active growth and development, in spring and summer, top dressing is carried out once a month, 10 g of mineral complex fertilizer per bucket is diluted in water for irrigation. If necessary, to give the plant the desired correct shape after the flowering period, the branches are shortened, pruned. If the plant is too dense, separate branches should be removed, thinned out.

Plants of the genus Calycantus are grown in the open ground as ornamental shrubs. For 3-4 years, young plants can also be cultivated in pots on balconies and terraces. However, in the future it is better to plant them in the ground in the air.

Calicanthus does not make special demands on the soil, although it prefers fertile, rich in organic matter, moist, well-drained. Calcareous soils are also suitable for the plant. When planting, apply organic fertilizers of 5 kg per plant. When growing in pots in the substrate used (1/3 peat, 2/3 of fertile land and a little sand) add 15 g of complex fertilizer per bucket of soil. During active growth and development, in spring and summer, top dressing is carried out once a month, 10 g of mineral complex fertilizer per bucket is diluted in water for irrigation. If necessary, to give the plant the desired correct shape after the flowering period, the branches are shortened, pruned. If the plant is too dense, separate branches should be removed, thinned out.

Location

They prefer a sunny and sheltered place from cold winds.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to fluctuations in air temperature.

Watering

Maintain constant soil moisture, but without water stagnation.

Transplant

Transplanted in the spring and only in the first 3-4 years of life, while the plants are young. At the same time, each time a new pot is used that is larger than the previous one.

Reproduction

The simplest method of reproduction is to separate the shoots in spring or autumn, which are immediately planted directly in the ground in a permanent place. Another method, also very simple, is breeding in layers in September. Choose very long branches, make incisions on the underside and lightly dig them in. After 2 years, new plants can be separated from the mother plant. In autumn, they practice sowing seeds in the ground, which is a mixture of sand and peat (1:1). Seedlings are kept in a closed, unheated room. Grown seedlings are transplanted into pots one at a time. Planted in a permanent place in the ground after 3-4 years.

Diseases

Injuries on branches (cancer) can be seen infrequently. In this case, it is necessary to remove the affected plants and treat healthy ones with copper-containing preparations.

Acquisition

Calycantus is quite easy to buy in gardening centers and specialized nurseries. At the same time, you need to clearly explain that you want to buy summer-flowering plants, and not early-maturing chymonanthus, which blooms in winter. Choose well-formed plants with overgrowth.