Chaliceis an attractive shrub that blooms all summer and sheds its leaves for the winter. There are 3 species of the calyx:sweet calyx , fertile calyx and Chinese calyx. Get to know the bestvarieties of calyxto grow in the garden, and learn about the gardencultivation of calyxand whether it is possible to independentlymultiplication of calyxin the garden.
Spicy cupola - Calycanthus floridus
Photograph taken in the author's garden
If someone is looking for original plants that would become a real decoration of a home garden or plot, he should definitely look for a calycanthus (Calycanthus sp.). Most of the calyxes come from the southern US states, only one species -Chinese calyx- grows in the forests of China. In our gardens, this type of plant is represented by only three species of medium-sized shrubs found extremely rarely, and in my opinion, worth more widespread distribution.and the already mentionedChinese cup
Interesting calyx scentThe bark and wood of all the calyx species grown in our gardens give off a very pleasant smell, reminiscent of camphor with a hint of spices, which has been used since time immemorial to flavor dishes by the indigenous peoples of North America . The leaves and even the roots of the plant also smell less intensely.This is a big advantage, because voles avoid the calyxes with a wide berth thanks to their repelling smell.
Note! An alkaloid, calycatin, which is toxic to humans, has been detected in the seeds of the calyx, so if our children like to taste every plant growing in the garden, we should refrain from planting the calyx on the plot.
How does the calyx flower bloom?
The flowers of allspecies of calyxdevelop systematically from May until early autumn, however the greatest flowering intensity is in June and the first decade of July . After pollination, the plant develops small, brown fruits that do not represent a greater decorative value, but contain viable seeds useful for increasing the collection of calyxes on our plot.Where to plant goblets?
All calyces are perfect companions for shrubs, shrubs, ferns and perennials. They also look beautiful when planted in the corners of the garden maintained in a naturalistic style.
Chalice - species and varieties
The most common species is thesweet calyx(Calycanthus floridus). This shrub grows from 1.5 to 2 m, and its leaves are nicely glossy. It produces full flowers, 5 cm in diameter, red-brown, very pretty and intensely fragrant. Their smell can be compared to the smell of ripe apples or plums. On warm days, the smell is so strong that you can already feel it from a distance of several dozen meters - one flowering plant in a dozen years can give its aroma to the entire estate. Young leaves and shoots are covered with fine felt, which is also an interesting decoration of the plant.
The garden variety of this species is very attractive -fragrant cup 'Purpureus'This shrub is characterized by slower growth and more abundant flowering than the species. The main difference, however, is the leaves. In 'Purpureus' the leaves are larger, slightly wrinkled and dark green on the upper side, and clearly bluish purple on the underside.In autumn they change color to an attractive orange-brown color.
Fragrant cup - a developing flower, and next to it another one still in a bud
Fig. I.Sáček, public domain, source: Wikimedia Commons
Another species -Calycanthus fertilis(Calycanthus fertilis) - is a highly branched shrub from the very base, reaching 2.5 meters in height in our climate, so also perfectly suitable even for small gardens. When spring is in full swing it develops its dark green leaves quickly, followed by purple spiders of flowers placed several at the ends of the shoots. A single flower is up to 5 cm in diameter and is odorless, but it stays on cool nights for about 3 weeks, so it is a long-lasting decoration of any garden.
The fertile cupgave some interesting garden varieties, which may soon appear in the offer of larger nurseries supplying plant material to the domestic market.It is worth mentioning here above allfertile cup 'Nanus'- low, shrub only a little over a meter high, with uniformly green leaves, andfertile cup 'Lusławice' - seedling accidentally found in the arboretum in Lusławice, characterized by fiery red flowers.
The AsianChinese calyx(Calycanthus chinensis) comes from Asia much less frequently.This species does not differ in habit or growth rate from the fragrant calyx, but it produces pure white flowers, which makes it a real treat for lovers of these plants.
Chalice - growing in the garden
Growing the calyxis best done in a sunny or slightly shaded position and well sheltered from frosty winter winds. This plant is favored by fertile, moist soil and annual feeding with well-distributed manure or mature compost.The mulching of the soil around the trunk will certainly contribute to better growth of the calyx. The mulch will not only prevent weeds from growing, but most of all will keep the substrate evenly moist.
Although older plants rarely fall victim to cold winters, freshly plantedcalyx bushesneed to be sprinkled the base with a mound of soil and covering the shoots with mats - especially in regions of the country with severe, long winters. In case of freezing of the above-ground parts, the plants regenerate nicely, making up for losses within 2-3 seasons.
Chalice - reproduction
Multiplication of calyxesis possible by sowing seeds, layering and herbaceous cuttings.
In the case of calyxes, the only sure way to reproduce in order to obtain more young plants in amateur conditions is sowing seeds.Seeds of calyxare collected when the fruit begins to dry out and immediately sown into a litter box or pots, germination takes place after two weeks and lasts until autumn.If for some reason the seeds were not sown immediately after harvest, then they should be sown in the fall by natural stratification - they will not sprout until next spring after natural overcooling during winter. Seedlings need to be grown 3-4 years before we get the first flowers.
Cupcake - fruit inside which we find seeds
Fig. Rob Hille, public domain, source: Wikimedia Commons
If we want to obtain only one or two posterior specimens, we can make a regular laydown in June, covering the lower shoots with moist humus soil. To accelerate the growth of new roots, we can wrap the shoot tightly with stainless wire or make an incision all the way to the wood and press a toothpick into it crosswise so that the wound does not heal too quickly. Layers can be separated from the mother plant only in the spring of the following year. For owners of greenhouses or foil tunnels, a more difficult method of reproduction remains, namely through herbaceous cuttings taken from plants in June and rooted under covers in conditions of high air and substrate humidity.
Emil Gwizdała
