Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Hartlage Wine'
Hybrid Chinese spicebush, Intergeneric hybrid spicebush
Also known as x Sinocalycalycanthus raulstonii 'Hartlage Wine', Sinocalycanthus 'Hartlage Wine'
- Height × spread
- 3m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This unusual shrub has large and stunning flowers that bloom during May and June. The flowers are large with layers of enfolding petals coloured a warm reddish maroon. They carry a light fragrance. The shrub itself is hearty with large leathery leaves that are glossy and somewhat crinkled. The flowers are unlikely to smother the plant so the plant is best placed where these beauties can be closely observed. This is probably happiest in neutral to acidic soil but can take some lime. Give it a sheltered position.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 3m
- Spread
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early · Planting
Remove suckers
Remove any suckers that have appeared round the base of the plant. They can often be pulled up, but it may be necessary to use secateurs or loppers to detach them from the parent plant.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune hard to the base
Prune back to within 30cm to 45cm of the plant base so that the year's growth will begin from this low framework. If you want the plant to grow larger, this need only be done every few years.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.