Maintenance Landscaping Design

Calycanthus aphrodite is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are oval shaped and the flowers are a deep red color. The calycanthus aphrodite plant is a beautiful plant that would make a great addition to any garden.

Alternative name

• Madagascar Periwinkle
  
• Aphrodite's Flower
  
• Everblooming Strawberry
  
• Fragrant Sumac
  
• Sweet Shrub

Good to Know

• The calycanthus aphrodite is a member of the Calycanthaceae, or spicebush, family.
  
• It is a shrub that typically grows to 4-6 feet tall and wide.
  
• The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a sharply-toothed margin.
  
• The flowers are white or pale pink, and bloom in late spring to early summer.
  
• The fruit is a reddish-brown, spherical drupe, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
  
• The calycanthus aphrodite is native to China.
  
• It was introduced into North America in the late 18th century as an ornamental plant.
  
• It is now found in parts of the eastern and central United States, as well as southeastern Canada.
  
• The calycanthus aphrodite is often used in landscaping as an informal hedge or border plant.
  
• It is also suitable for growing in containers.

Related plant:
Calycanthus Venus

Planting Process

1. For calycanthus aphrodite, first step is to find a location with well-drained, moist soil and full sun to partial shade exposure.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by removing any existing vegetation, rocks, and debris.
   
3. loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and mix in a 2-inch layer of compost.
   
4. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the calycanthus aphrodite's root ball.
   
5. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   
6. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil and water deeply.
   
7. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the planting area, but be sure to keep it away from the calycanthus aphrodite's stems.
   
8. Water the plant deeply once a week for the first month, then as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
   
9. Fertilize the calycanthus aphrodite in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
   
10. Finally, enjoy the beauty of your calycanthus aphrodite as it grows and blooms!

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Calycanthus Aphrodite prefers well-drained, fertile soils, and is quite adaptable to different soil types. It is not particular about pH, but does best in moist, loamy soils. It is quite tolerant of drought and should do fine in most average home gardens with average moisture conditions.

Light condition

Like the other calycanthus, the 'Aphrodite' does best in full to partial sun. It is a heat-tolerant plant and does not require a lot of water once established. It is best to water this plant once a week or as needed. The 'Aphrodite' can be used as a shade tree, privacy screen, or specimen plant in the garden.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for the growth of calycanthus aphrodite are between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is also tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers soils that are rich in organic matter.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity level falls below 30%, the leaves will start to drop off. If the humidity level goes above 60%, the leaves will start to turn yellow.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this type of plant doesn't need much. A light application of an all-purpose fertilizer in early spring is all that is necessary. Be sure to water the fertilizer in well. Too much fertilizer will produce lots of green growth at the expense of flowers. As far as the roots go, they are not overly fussy. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils, as long as the drainage is good. Sandy soils are ideal.

Light requirement

Pruning your calycanthus aphrodite is an important part of keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. You should prune your plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning will encourage new growth and help to keep your plant from getting too leggy. To prune your plant, simply cut back all of the stems to about 6 inches above the ground.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done by seed, which is sown in autumn in most climates, or early spring. The seed must be scarified (the hard coating breached) before planting. This can be done by filing or sanding the seed, or by soaking it in acid for 24 hours. Sow the seed in a well-drained seed-starting mix, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. The seed will germinate best at a temperature of 18-21°C. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is dependent on the environment it is in. If the plant is in an area with a lot of sunlight, the growth rate will be faster than if the plant was in an area with little sunlight. The average growth rate for this plant is about 1 inch per month.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be controlled with fungicide sprays. Other problems include aphids, scale, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticide sprays.

Tips on Growing

• If you live in an area with very harsh winters, it is best to plant your calycanthus aphrodite in a pot so that you can bring it indoors during the coldest months.
  
• This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.
  
• Calycanthus aphrodite is a fairly drought-tolerant plant, so you don't need to water it too frequently. Once every week or two should be sufficient.
  
• The soil that your plant grows in should be well-draining and relatively rich in nutrients.
  
• Although calycanthus aphrodite is a fairly tough plant, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Be sure to keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, scale, and powdery mildew.
  
• This plant can grow quite large, so be sure to give it plenty of room to

Substitution

• CALYCANTHUS occidentalis occurs only in California
  
• CALYCANTHUS praecox is an earlier-flowering species originated in the southeastern United States
  
• CALYCANTHUS floridus is the eastern American species
  
• CALYCANTHUS latifolius is the Korean species
  
• STAPHYLEA trifolia is an Asian species
  
• STAPHYLEA pinnata is the European species
  
• STAPHYLEA bolanderi is the western American species
  
• DEUTZIA scabra is a Japanese species
  
• DEUTZIA crenata is a Chinese species
  
• DEUTZIA gracilis is a European species
  

Source:
Sweetshrub - Calycanthus 'Aphrodite' PP 24,014 | North Carolina ...
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Calycanthus 'Aphrodite'
Calycanthus x‘Aphrodite’ | Nursery Crop Extension Research