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Image of Calycanthus praecox coming soon... |
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Calycanthus praecox
(Japanese
Allspice, Winter Sweet)
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Synonyms: Meratia
praecox,
Chimonanthus praecox, Chimonanthus fragrans
Family: Calycanthaceae
Origin: China
Light: Sunny, filtered
Height: 10-15'
Spread: 9'
Blooms: Profuse, very fragrant, 1", hermaphrodite (have both
male and female organs), fleshy, translucent, color of outer layer of
petals sulphur yellow with purple or brown stains in inner whorl, Fall to Winter
Foliage: Deciduous, bright green, veined
Soil: Well-drained with lime added, keep moist
Seeds: Ripens Summer
Water: Regular
Propagation: Seeds (pre-soak, grow ASAP), semi-ripe wood cuttings,
layering (in Spring)
Uses: Woodland, filtered shade, sunny edge
Comments: Calycanthus praecox or Japanese Allspice or
Chimonanthus praecox or Chimonanthus fragrans or Winter Sweet or
Meratia praecox
is a beautiful deciduous shrub
with a moderate growth rate. The fragrance of the flowers can be smelt
at a distance of 50 yards away; they are stalkless and appear the
second year before the leaves and are pollinated by insects. The
flowers are edible by boiling them first then wash them and add salt and
oil; the petals of Chimonanthus praecox are also used to scent
tea, potpourri and perfume. Japanese Allspice is a splendid looking ornamental
shrub that is best planted against a south facing wall to help buds
ripen in Summer. Winter
Sweet plants can be pruned to maintain size
and shape after flowering.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 6-9 |
