Calycanthus - anyone got one ??

This shrub is common in America,not so much here - there is plenty of info on line, google it. Described as 'reasonably hardy', requiring protection from spring frosts when young.

I have just planted the wonderful hybrid Sinocalycanthus x 'Hartlage Wine' in my garden. One I planted at work last year flowered for nearly six months and its still only a small four foot plant!. Can't wait to see it and mine when its a large shrub, it will be quite simply spectacular! Hardy too.

I would probably not go for the American Calycanthus (either of the two species), ok shrubs but the flowers are a bit small and dull, usually a muddy red-brown and they take up a lot of space for not much show.

The white flowered Chinese species (Sinocalycanthus) is more showy but grows very large and the flowers are often a little shy in coming.

Go for the hybrid. It's expensive but the price is coming down. Even a small rooted cutting will grow fast, believe me! This is going to be one of the most sought after plants once people start to become more familiar with it.

Have a look at S. 'Hartlage Wine' in my photo's.

Thanks Fractal - that hybrid looks like the solution - nice colours. Only found one place selling it (according to Google) - Bluebell Nursery - who quote

"Although a new introduction, we suspect that the large leaves will be a tempting target for slugs and therefore slug pellets or cultural control of slugs is advised."

Did our slimy critters have a pop at your plant ?

Haven't done yet though I will see what happens next year!

Slugs never touched mine. It's just not their sort of plant. I suspect Bluebell got an attack from vine weevil and mis-identified the attacker. Oops, can I say that sort of thing?! Phil

We've had a "Calycanthus fertilis Purpureus" from Bluebell in our garden for about four/five years now.
No winter protection or slug damage (but we don't have a slug problem anyway) - and it's doing great.
I've also seen ones in Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington (a few years ago) and York Gate garden in Leeds (this summer).
We're very happy with it.