Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
It’s new, fragrant and native, and a soon-to-be favorite of gardeners and wildlife. Simply Scentsational Sweetshrub (Calycanthus) brings all the benefits of native plants in an exotic-looking shrub with wine-red flowers. Grow this sweetshrub anywhere in the landscape, but try to pick a spot where you can enjoy its fruity yet spicy scent. The fragrant, magnolia-like flowers keep coming from early summer through late spring with no very little care.
This sweetshrub grows to nearly 6 feet high and 5 feet wide, so it’s a pretty feature, or specimen, plant to stand out in front of a wall or house. The deep red color is rare in native plants and can add a sense of drama and height to any native garden (not to mention that fragrance). Cold hardy to zone 4, plus heat and drought tolerant, it’s a versatile choice for a native reblooming plant that also is deer resistant.
Simply Scentsational® Sweetshrub Care
Planting and caring for this native sweetshrub is easy. Plant it in part to full sun (5-plus hours of sun a day) and in nearly any soil type, as long as it drains well. Water it regularly, with a slow-deep soak for the first growing season. Once established, average water is enough, and in the second year, the plant can withstand brief drought. The shrub might need more water than usual during peak heat of summer.
Like most native plants, Simply Scentsational needs very little help to grow and flower. It typically does not need fertilizing. Pruning is only necessary to shape the plant as desired. Blooms appear on both old wood and new wood, so it is best to prune right after the shrub is done flowering for the season.
Simply Scentsational® Sweetshrub Spacing
Give this shrub plenty of room to grow to its mature size and space it at least 48 to 60 inches from other plants or from structures, measuring from the center of the shrub out.
Simply Scentsational® Sweetshrub Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 4-5 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Red
- Flower Description
- Red
- Bloom Time
- Spring to Summer
- Blooms On
-
Both New and Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Lightly, right after the first flush of flowers
- Foliage Color
- Foliage Description
- Bright Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Simply Scentsational® Sweetshrub
- Botanical Name
- Calycanthus x 'SMNCAF' USPPAF, Can PBRAF
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!