x Sinocalycalycanthus 'Hartlage Wine'

This 6-foot-tall, 5- to 6-foot-wide shrub combines the larger flower and foliage size of Chinese Sweetshrub with the native vigor and hardiness of Carolina Allspice. Plump flower buds arise in spring, bursting into bloom in early summer. These flowers are 3 inches or more across, suffused with wine-red, and subtly fragrant. And they're banked by 5- to 7-inch glossy leaves, another Chinese Sweetshrub attribute missing in our native Allspice.

'Hartlage Wine' thrives in partial shade, but can take more sunlight in very moist soil. Both the foliage and the stems are fragrant when brushed, releasing the spicy scent that gives this shrub its common name. And don't forget about its second show -- soft yellow fall foliage.

'Hartlage Wine' came about in an interesting way. In the early 1990s, it was observed that while the flowers and foliage of the Chinese Sweetshrub were different from those of our native Carolina Allspice, the fruits were quite similar. Horticulturists at the Raulston Arboretum made reciprocal crosses between the two species. Out of 4 plants yielded, only one had traits from both parents (the sign of a true hybrid). This seedling was named "Hartlage" after the undergraduate student in charge of the experiment, and "Wine" for the color of the blossoms. All shrubs bearing the name 'Hartlage Wine' are descendents of this original seedling!

'Hartlage Wine' thrives in sunny to lightly shaded gardens. It's a fine choice for the foundation, specimen plantings, and the border. Space shrubs about 5 feet apart. Zones 6-9.