Calicant

Blooming Calicant is a beautiful ornamental shrub with a stunning aroma. Usually North America is called his homeland, there he is called "Jamaican pepper". Next, you will learn how to grow such a beautiful plant in our climate and what are the features of caring for it.

Calicant: description of the bush

Shrub Calicant: plant photo

The international name of Calicant is Calycanthus froridus. The plant can grow up to two to four meters, olive-colored shoots form a lush crown, consisting of large green oval leaves, the length of which is ten to fifteen centimeters. Young leaves have sufficient dense pubescence, over time it remains only on the underside of the leaves, while the top becomes smooth and gray-green.

During the first two months of summer, large burgundy flowers bloom on the Calicant shrub, exuding a pleasant aroma. When the plant fades, medium-sized water-lily-like fruits ripen on it, with seeds inside them. In autumn, the leaves gradually turn yellow.

Calicant: outdoor care

Calicant grows well in our difficult climate and tolerates severe winter frosts. Like any plant, it needs special conditions, more about them.

Lighting

The plant likes good lighting, but at noon it is better to keep it in the shade. It is possible to plant Calicant shrubs next to the trees, but in this case, you should choose neighbors with a sufficiently sparse crown so that the Calicant gets the necessary amount of sunlight and is protected from direct sunlight.

Attention! Absolute shade is not a good option for a shrub, it may not bloom.

Temperature

The calicant plant can take root well in both cold and warmer conditions. If you are planting a plant in the northern areas, you can plant it in the sun, in the south it is better for the shrub to be in a shady area.

The soil

Blooming calicants are unpretentious to the soil, but it is better to plant them in fertile soil. An important condition for the normal and correct growth of the shrub is the drainage layer, which will be at least twenty centimeters.

Watering

Calicant shrubs need moderate watering, the soil should never become waterlogged. In the heat, it is recommended to determine the intensity of irrigation by the rate of soil drying.

Humidity

It is necessary to mulch the ground around the plant to retain moisture, it is recommended to use peat, foliage and sawdust. This is necessary to protect the shrub from drying out and water retention. On hot days, sprinkle on the leaves with quenched water to prevent them from drying out and untimely yellowing.

Fertilizer

It is better to feed Calicant with mineral or organic fertilizers in March.

Pruning

After transplanting, it is recommended to carry out the first pruning. The Calicant shrub loves to grow, but this makes its appearance less attractive. To avoid this, it is necessary to initially form a calicant.

The next pruning is recommended after flowering. It is accompanied by the removal of damaged and dried branches and the pinching of new shoots.

Wintering

Blooming Kalitants are winter-hardy plants and tolerate temperatures down to minus thirty degrees well. Despite this, gardeners recommend covering shrubs with spruce branches, it will provide protection from precipitation and strong winds that can damage plants.

Reproduction

Shrub Calicant: plant photo

There are several possible breeding methods for Calicant. Consider each one.

Calicant from cuttings

It is better to separate the cuttings simultaneously with the sanitary pruning. Healthy and sufficiently young branches can be used. The branches are cut with a secateurs and transferred to a special solution of "Kornevin". After a day in solution, the cutting should be planted in a greenhouse or ground and watered regularly so that it takes root faster.

Seed calicant

Calicantha seeds are scarified, due to the fact that the seeds are covered with a strong shell, it is difficult for them to germinate. Seeds must be placed in warm water for two days, then sown in a substrate and germinated for two to five months at normal temperature. After the sprouts are transplanted into the ground. This method is rarely used due to the possibility of plants losing their floral aroma.

Need to know! With any vegetative propagation method, the plant will bloom only in the fourth year.

Calicant with layering

This is the easiest way. In early spring, holes are made near the root growth, the shoots are gently bent and fixed in the hole made. The hole should not be less than five centimeters. Above you need to place a small stone as a load. Regular watering is important for layering. By the end of summer, the plant can already be transplanted into permanent territory.

Possible difficulties in growing Calicant

By following all the rules for the care and planting of Calicant, difficulties should be minimized. A lack / excess of moisture and unfavorable weather conditions can affect the plants poorly. In such a situation, it is recommended to protect the dwarfs by shading and sheltering from the wind. In general, the Calicant shrub does not create any hassle and is unpretentious.

Shrub Calicant in landscape design

Shrub Calicant: plant photo

A pleasantly smelling and externally attractive shrub can decorate any summer cottage. Calicata can be planted one at a time or in a group with lavender, sage or wormwood. Such plants will not only be a visual decoration, but also create a special atmosphere and great aroma. The flowering plant also looks beautiful against the background of lawn grasses. Regardless of the season, neatly planted calicantas will delight the eyes of the owners.

Pests and diseases

Shrub Calicant: plant photo

The flowering calicant is resistant to both damaging factors. The only thing that can bother him is rotting roots. To prevent such a problem, you need to make high-quality drainage and ensure proper watering to the plant.

Blooming calicant is a delightful and unpretentious plant with a pleasant aroma. In addition to flowers, he also smells of leaves and punishment. The dried carrot can be used as a flavoring agent. Calicant will help you create a pleasant atmosphere wherever it grows.

Blooming calicant: photo of a plant