Grow 6' - 8' h x 6' - 8' sp
A cross between our native Calycanthus and the Asian variety, this beautiful sweetshrub has showy, fragrant blooms that are described as either pineapple, strawberry and/or banana, but that depends on the temperature, the age of the flower and even the individual plant. Higher temperatures tend to produce more fragrant flowers. Tends to rebloom during the summer, too.
Sweetshrub grows best in average to rich, well-drained soil in anywhere from full sun to deep shade. It prefers some shade in hot summer afternoons and it will grow lankier and less dense in shade than in sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil textures and pH but prefers rich loams. Plant it 3 to 5 feet from other shrubs to give it adequate room to grow.
Photo and text credit: NC Extension
Grows 5' - 6' ht. & sp.
What a beautiful flower this Camellia has! Autumn Spirit is a hybrid between C. oleifera x C. sasanqua and deserves to be a focal point of any garden. It's bright and deep pink peony-shaped blooms are an intense show-stopper, and show up early in the season.
Like most sasanquas, they prefer slightly acidic and moist, rich soil that is well-drained, and they could use a little protection from the brutal afternoon summer heat.
Our plants are espaliered, but these would work well as a corner foundation plant, screen or even in a container.
Photo Credit: NC Extension