'Aphrodite' Sweetshrub (Calycanthus)
Best deer-resistant shrub for gardeners seeking fragrant, long-blooming privacy screens.
Discover the captivating 'Aphrodite' Sweetshrub from Proven Winners, a large shrub that brings unique beauty to your garden. It boasts impressive, dark red, magnolia-like blooms that appear throughout the summer, offering a long season of interest. The lush, glossy green foliage provides excellent coverage, making it a great choice for privacy screening or adding seasonal appeal. While its fragrance is a delightful mystery, often described as warm apples, it's a truly special addition for zones 5-9 that thrives in sun to partial sun.
$23.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
785
/ 2614
#785 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Botanical name
Calycanthus x 'Aphrodite'
/ Calycanthus x 'Aphrodite'
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking aromatic, long-blooming focal points
- Landscapers wanting consistent floral color throughout the summer
- Homeowners needing low-maintenance, deer-resistant foundation plants
Who should skip it
- Urban gardeners with limited space for large shrubs
- Fragrance enthusiasts expecting a consistent, specific scent profile
- Beginner gardeners intimidated by specific pruning requirements
Performance breakdown
Bloom Longevity
Extended summer flowering provides consistent color throughout the warmest months.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters local wildlife, protecting your landscape investment from hungry browsers.
Privacy Utility
Dense, glossy foliage creates an effective natural screen for garden seclusion.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones while handling summer heat effortlessly.
Aesthetic Appeal
Striking, magnolia-like red blooms offer a sophisticated focal point for gardens.
Maintenance Ease
Moderate watering and standard soil needs make this a low-stress shrub.
Key Specs
Botanical name
Calycanthus x 'Aphrodite'
Common name
Sweetshrub
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Sun Exposure
Full Sun to Part Sun
Mature Height
5-10 feet
Mature Width
5-10 feet
Flower Color
Red
Foliage Color
Green
Features
- Unique, dark red magnolia-like blooms
- Fragrant flowers with a variable scent
- Lush foliage for excellent coverage
- Highly resistant to deer damage
- Blooms for an extended period
- Tolerates heat well
- Low flammability
- Suitable for privacy screening
What customers say
The 'Aphrodite' Sweetshrub earns high praise for its exceptional aesthetic and reliable performance. Customers adore the large, deep maroon, magnolia-like flowers and the extended summer bloom time, which provides continuous garden interest. Reviewers consistently note the plant's robust health and ease of care once established, highlighting its resilience. While the initial plant size sometimes prompts questions regarding the premium price, the long-term consensus is that this shrub is a worthwhile investment. Its unique beauty and dependable vigor solidify its status as a highly recommended garden showstopper, though fragrance perception varies.
Know before you buy
This shrub typically reaches a mature height and width of 5 to 10 feet. Because of its mounding form, it works well as a standalone specimen or as a dense privacy screen.
No, the 'Aphrodite' Sweetshrub is highly resistant to deer damage. It is a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a common concern.
It thrives in full sun to part sun. While it tolerates heat well, providing at least six hours of sunlight will help ensure the best bloom production throughout the summer.
The fragrance is described as a warm, apple-like scent, though it can be variable depending on the specific environment. It is a subtle, pleasant addition to the garden rather than an overpowering perfume.
Yes, 'Aphrodite' is container-friendly. Ensure you use a large pot with good drainage to accommodate its moderate growth rate and mature size.
The 'Aphrodite' Sweetshrub is semi-evergreen. Depending on your specific climate and the severity of the winter, it may retain some foliage or drop its leaves entirely.
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