The large, exotic-looking leaves and chocolate/magenta blooms of the Carolina sweetspice can be a focal point in any garden.
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Calycanthus floridus (Carolina sweetspice)
Why you should plant it
This shrub is native to eastern Canada and one of the loveliest there is. The large, exotic-looking banana-shaped leaves and extraordinary chocolate/magenta blooms can be a focal point in any garden. It is also a magnet for native bees and hummingbirds. Since it's in the magnolia family, it does bear a resemblance, but it's those leaves that are the main attraction.
Where to plant it
This plant is extremely reliable in the right spot: from bright sunlight to light shade. Deciduous, it needs rich, moist (though not boggy) soils. It might sucker, although I haven't seen this happen so far. This is truly a plant without problems. But it does need some width. Give it a good hit of compost after planting.
What it offers
This is a Zone 5 shrub with a startling and dramatic profile. It will grow up to two metres tall, but may get a good deal wider than that. Give it the width and you'll have a showstopper. In fact, why not plant this instead of a Japanese maple on the front lawn? Although it blooms in June, the leaves alone are worth the trouble to find it. It may be difficult to source in the west.
Source and cost
Look for it at specialty nurseries such as Lost Horizons ( www.losthorizons.ca) in Acton, Ont. It costs around $30.