Give this shrub ample room to sprawl, as it tends to sucker when it's happy. The unusual chocolatey maroon flowers give off a spicy sweet fragrance which is echoed in cut twigs and leaves.
Latin Name
Calycanthus floridus
Family
Calycanthaceae
Also Known As
Sweetshrub
Type of Plant
Shrubs
Bloom Season
May - July
Seasons
Spring
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 10'
Max Spread: 12'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Part Shade
Tolerances
Colors
Native Range
Southeastern United States
History
In May of 1786, Washington's diary records that he "Planted or rather transplanted from the Box sent me by Colo. Wm. Washington of So. Carolina 6 of the Sweet scented, or aromatic shrub in my Shrubberies, on each side the Serpentine walks on this (or East) side of the Garden gate."
Other Details
Grown by Washington
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
Shop Now