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Unusual Calycanthus(Sweet Shrub) or Not

19 years ago

Hello,

While walking through what is left of the surrounding woods(neighbors sold the trees for timber,) I noticed a Calycanthus in bloom that was a little different than the others. Its flowers appeared slightly larger than usual but the main difference was in coloration. It appears in bud and upon opening a lighter red than normal and then it fades to a straw yellow color with red undertones. The newest blossoms at the end of the branch are the reddest and they fade progressively down the branch to the almost yellow older blossoms. "Strawberry Blonde" is the first thing that came to my mind to describe the coloration. The flowers appear on new growth and are in full sun. However, the neighboring plants look normal. Does this sound unusual or is it a common mutation?

Thanks,

Danita

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Comments (2)

brenda_near_eno
19 years ago
Several Calycanthus have been found in the wild with unusual variation and brought into nursery trade for propogation - Camellia Forest has a new one just now making its way into sales to the public - I forget the name of it. I would rescue this one if I were you.
Iris GW
19 years ago
I agree that it is likely a variation. "Athens" is a yellow flowered variety in nurseries that was probably found as a natural mutation at some point.
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