Sinocalycanthus chinensis

Allspice

Location

The Temple Garden

Description:

A very rare hardy, large, 3m x 4m (10’ x 12’), deciduous, spreading shrub native to China.  Broadly oval, short-tapered, glossy, mid-green leaves to 15cm (6in).  Large, 7cm (3in), magnolia-like flowers, white on the outside and yellowish inside, with maroon markings at the base singly, are produced close to the shoot tips.

Site and Care:

Grow in full sun or part shade in any moist well-drained soil. It benefits from some shade from the hot midday sun and shelter from cold winds. It does not like shallow chalky soils but it thrives here where the soil is much improved and it benefits from a winter mulch. Propagation is by seed.