Calycanthus chinensis (aka Sinocalycanthus sinensis... which is annoyingly redundant and Sinocalycanthus sinensis which though subtly masked is on the edge of being annoying (not having fun today. Can you tell?) The Chinese Sweetshrub is an open shrub with spring flowers 3 inches diameter, white with a bare pink blush. The blush may deepen as flowers mature. The whorl of tepals surrounding the central sexual parts are pastel yellow. The large, globular buds are greenish with sometimes a purple cast. These will set up for weeks prior to opening and also provide multiple weeks of interest. Simple opposite obovate leaves are semi-glossed medium to dark green, 4 inches or more long. They may pick up decent yellow tones in autumn. We think of it as a bonus when that occurs. Interestingly, this is an ancient flowering plant, among the first we of which we are presently aware. Found as an endemic in the Zheijang Province. Though some sites claim USDA zone 4 northern hardiness we have not found this to be so. We believe the northern cut off is zone 6. Large brown seed pods with an open end remind us of sea cucumbers or alien pods. They hold large brown seeds which one might think would be fun for kids but be aware: they harbor an alkaloid not unlike strychnine which when ingested in large quantities can be bad news. Fertile, moist soil in shade. Early morning sun is tolerated well. Established potted Chinese Sweetshrub from seed.