Simply Scentsational Two new versions of old favorites

Simply Scentsational

Two new versions of old favorites

by Norman Winter, Horticulturist, Author and Speaker

The African elephant is known for having the

longest gestation period of any animal, which lasts up to 22 months. This is like the proverbial “New York Minute” when it is compared to bringing a new shrub to market. Take, for instance, crossing two native sweetshrubs to finally get one get one worthy of the name Simply Scentsational. Tim Wood (aka “The Plant Hunter”) did just that and now after just over a dozen years and thousands of sniffs Simply Scentsational made its debut in Spring 2022. Granny’s sweetshrub is now a more beautiful deep burgundy red with a fragrance that will send you into a state of euphoria.

Simply Scentsational

Simply Scentsational is an upright grower reaching six feet in height with a spread of five feet. It is recommended for hardiness zones 4-9. Botanically speaking Calycanthus floridus is native in some 20+ states in the Eastern United States, as far north as New York and south to Florida. In addition to the name sweetshrub it is also called Carolina allspice and spicebush. Those names tell you a lot - try cutting a stem or two for the vase. The first time I saw the native sweetshrub I instantly fell in love with it, the small deep burgundy flowers and fragrance was an instant lure. I would see them at old homes and plant swaps but almost never in the marketplace. The western United States is not without their own version. The California allspice, Calycanthus occidentalis is somewhat similar, with thinner petals and a little less fragrance. Both native versions however have been used in breeding to turn the sweetshrub world upside down.

Aphrodite

Simply Scentsational will now give Proven Winners an outstanding duo as they also have Aphrodite, which comes courtesy of North Carolina State University breeding. It is a hybrid between the California allspice, and an Asian species xSinocalycanthus. Aphrodite is even larger, reaching up to eight feet tall with a spread of seven feet.

Not only is the plant larger but so are the red-cupped flowers that remind some of magnolia blossoms. The fragrance is described as fruity with aromas of pineapples and apples. The bloom age and time of day also play a role in the olfactory experience. These shrubs are cold hardy from zones 5-9 and perform best in fertile welldrained soil in full sun to part shade. The more sun, the moisture that will be needed.

True to the native species, expect them to offer root suckers. Remove these to create a more picturesque structure. On the other hand, this trait is what makes them one of the better screens for the landscape. The yellow fall leaf color is a great addition to the woodland garden where it will stand out from quite a distance. Many will also be ecstatic to know these are not on the deer menu!

One thing is certain our grandparents would be elated over both Simply Scentsational and Aphrodite sweetshrubs. I hope you will plant some and make some fragrant memories for your children.

Simply Scentsational sweetshrub made its debut in 2022, promising the garden an unmatched fragrance.

Aphrodite is a hybrid sweet shrub with western United States DNA and produces large cup-like flowers with a magnolia resemblance.