Calycanthus floridus Athens - Sweetshrub

The Calycanthus floridus 'Athens' is an American hybrid variety of the Sweetshrub that displays an unusual flower colour. In late spring and early summer, the fruity-scented flowers, pale yellow to yellow-green, are borne at the end of short branches. This deciduous shrub, of medium size and graceful habit, makes a lovely specimen in a small garden or in a loose hedge. Hardy, it thrives in a cool, deep, well-drained, rich, and non-limestone soil.

The Calycanthus floridus 'Athens' is a deciduous shrub of the Calycanthaceae family. The botanical species, with green foliage, is native to the east coast of the United States and was introduced to Europe in 1806. The 'Athens' cultivar has a very loose bushy habit and will reach a mature height and spread, typically 2.50 m in all directions, at the age of 5–6 years. Its slightly stiff branches bear leaves that are 7 to 13 cm long, ovate and slightly velvety, shiny on the upper side, lighter on the underside. They turn yellow, amber, and orange in autumn before falling. Flowering occurs in May-June. The original cup-shaped flowers have wide corollas, buttery yellow with a slight greenish tinge, lanceolate petaloid sepals, distinct, arranged in spirals. The fragrance of the flowers evokes strawberries, mangoes, and pineapples, with a spicy note. The fruits resemble small elongated hazelnuts and are contained in curious small brown, velvety pouches. The seeds are toxic and should be kept away from children and animals.

The 'Athens' Sweetshrub can be used either as a solitary specimen, in a loose and natural hedge, or in a large mixed border with perennials and other small shrubs. It is ideal near a pathway or close to a terrace to fully enjoy its fragrance and the beauty of its flowers. To create a harmonious ensemble, you can pair it with variegated dogwoods like 'Elegantissima', tree peonies, the pheasant berry, a golden ninebark, or a Neillia affinis.

The Calycanthus are also known as "Anemone Trees" due to the shape and size of their flowers, which resemble those of these lovely shade perennials. But the fragrance is quite different, reminiscent of strawberries, hence the English name "Strawbush".