‘Aphrodite’ is a deciduous flowering shrub in the sweetshrub family (Calycanthaceae). It was developed in a collaborative project with NC State and Spring Meadow Nursery. It is a hybrid of undisclosed parentage. The genus name is derived from the Greek words kalyx meaning calyx and anthos meaning a flower. Fast growing to 8 feet, but has been known to reach 15 feet with a 25-foot wide spread after 10 years. Plant it at least 6 feet from other shrubs to give it adequate room to grow. ‘Aphrodite’ grows best in average to rich, well-drained soil in anywhere from full sun to deep shade. It prefers some shade in hot summer afternoons, and it will grow lankier and less dense in shade than in sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil textures and pH, but prefers rich loams and struggles in sandy soils and drought conditions. Propagation by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. ‘Aphrodite’ produces large, showy flowers in springtime. They are a brighter, larger and a clearer red than those of Carolina allspice and the tepals are broader and more rounded. They have a fragrance that is described as “light and fruity.” Use this shrub in borders, as a specimen or as a foundation plant in a woodland garden. Pollinators are attracted to the flowers. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect, disease or other problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in. | Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Erect; Multi-stemmed
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Shiny dark green oval leaves have a bronze cast is spring. Fall color is variable but yellow in color.
Fall color
Gold/Yellow
Flower color
Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Long-lasting
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Radial; Saucer
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
Showy fragrant magnolia like red blooms with 12+ petals from May-July.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
Urn-shaped, veiny, leathery fruits resemble wrinkled figs and persist through winter