x Sinocalycalycanthus 'Hartlage Wine'

The only one its kind, this lovely shrub is a cross between our native Carolina allspice and the Chinese sweetshrub, sporting huge blooms nearly twice the size of the native species', with a deep wine-red color and faint fragrance. 'Hartlage Wine' combines the best of both species into an exciting new garden standout. This 6-foot-tall, 5- to 6-foot-wide shrub combines the larger flower and foliage size of Chinese sweetshrub with the native vigor and hardiness of Carolina allspice. Plump flower buds arise in spring, bursting into 3-inch or larger blooms in early summer, suffused with wine-red, and subtly fragrant. 'Hartlage Wine' thrives in partial shade, but can take more sunlight in very moist soil. Both the foliage and the stems are fragrant when brushed, releasing the spicy scent that gives this shrub its common name. And don't forget its soft yellow fall foliage. It's a fine choice for the foundation, specimen plantings, and the border.