The Latest Techniques and Methods Tutorial for Growing Sinocalycanthus chinensis

Sinocalycanthus chinensis, also known as peony wood, yellow loquat, etc., is a deciduous ornamental flowering shrub in the family Calycanthaceae, genus Sinocalycanthus. It mostly grows on mountain slopes or in stream valleys at an altitude of 600-1100 m. Its flowers are large and beautiful, with considerable ornamental value. It is a rare wild flower unique to China and is listed as a national second-class protected plant. It is a Tertiary relict species. Now let us take a look at the growing techniques for Sinocalycanthus chinensis!

The Growing Environment of Sinocalycanthus chinensis

Sinocalycanthus chinensis prefers a warm and humid environment and has strong adaptability. It can overwinter and pass the summer normally both south of the Yangtze River and between the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers. In summer it can withstand a brief high temperature of 40°C, and in winter it can resist severe cold of -15°C. It dislikes waterlogging, and grows vigorously in well-drained moist sandy loam, with dark green leaves, and can bear fruit. Under full sunlight its leaves turn yellow and growth is poor. It has strong sprouting ability.

Propagation Methods of Sinocalycanthus chinensis

1. Seed propagation: The seeds of Sinocalycanthus chinensis mature in mid-to-late October. When the urn-shaped fruit capsule turns from green to yellow-brown and the achenes are purple-brown, they can be picked. After picking, extract the seeds for later use. The seeds should not be stored too dry. Before sowing in early spring, soak the seeds in cold water for 24-28 hours so that the seed coat absorbs water and swells, which can promote earlier germination. When sowing, cover with grass to retain moisture. Generally they emerge in about half a month, and basically all have emerged in two months. After the seedlings have all emerged, remove the covering grass, then set up a shade frame to prevent the seedlings from being scorched by the hot sun. Generally, first-year seedlings can reach 30 cm in height, with roots 20-25 cm long and 2-3 branches on the aboveground part. Left in the seedbed for one year, they can be transplanted and planted out. Seedling-grown plants generally produce flower buds and bloom in 4-5 years.

2. Division propagation: Sinocalycanthus chinensis can also be propagated by dividing its root suckers. When dividing, dig out the plant with a shovel, shake off the soil from the roots, and use a sharp knife or pruning shears to divide the suckers into several small plants. Each small plant needs 1-2 main branches. Then cut the main stem of the division at a point 10 cm from the base, and plant it. Division should be carried out from after leaf fall in autumn to before bud break in spring.

Growing Techniques for Sinocalycanthus chinensis

1. Planting method: For open-field cultivation, choose an environment that is moist and not strongly lit. When transplanting, large seedlings should be kept with a soil ball, and the planting depth should be the same as in the original place. When planting in low-lying land, add soil to raise the level to prevent water accumulation. If the soil is too alkaline, use foreign soil or improve it to neutral soil. Before planting, apply decomposed organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer, and after planting, water thoroughly.

2. Timely pruning: Sinocalycanthus chinensis has strong branching ability. Pruning can make it produce more robust flowering branches and bloom more. Generally, pruning should be done after the flowers fade and before leaves emerge. Cut off dead branches, overly dense branches, crossing branches, and diseased and pest-damaged branches. Leave two to three pairs of buds at the base of one-year-old branches and cut off the upper part of the branch to encourage branching. Afterwards, once the new branches have grown two to three pairs of leaves, pinch them once to encourage the production of short, sturdy flowering branches, making the plant shape well-balanced and graceful. Pruning is mostly carried out from March to June, and stops after July. If pruning is not done at the right time, many water sprouts are likely to grow, consuming nutrients, causing poor flower bud differentiation and affecting flowering.

3. Timely fertilizing: Sinocalycanthus chinensis likes fertilizer. Timely fertilizing can promote flower bud differentiation and more flowering. For field-grown wintersweet, apply a thin fertilizer once a month in a trench. Do not apply heavy fertilizer, so as to avoid excessive growth after autumn and affecting flowering. For pot cultivation, use loose, fertile culture soil. In spring, apply leaf-expansion fertilizer twice. From the end of June to before the dog days, apply a compound fertilizer once every 10 to 15 days to promote flower bud formation. The dog days are the period of flower bud differentiation and also the period of vigorous new root growth, so apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once or twice more, but at this time fertilizing should be light, otherwise it is easy to cause root rot and yellowing and falling of leaves. After the weather turns cool in autumn, apply cake fertilizer once to plump up the flower buds. Before winter, apply dilute horse-hoof water once more to supply the nutrients needed for flowering. Fertilizing for Sinocalycanthus chinensis should mainly be phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, with an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer. The approximate ratio of phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen is 4:2:1.

4. Moderate watering: Sinocalycanthus chinensis is drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging. Flower growers have a saying that “Sinocalycanthus chinensis cannot be killed by drought.” However, it must not lack water in summer, otherwise the leaves will form dry, whitish patches, affecting flower bud formation. It is best to keep the soil in a semi-moist state. If watered too much, the plant grows poorly, affecting flower bud differentiation. For open-field cultivation, choose a sunny and high, dry place, and pay attention to timely drainage during the rainy season. During the flowering period, be sure to control the amount of watering well. Too much water easily causes flowers and buds to drop, while too little water causes uneven flowering.

5. Pay attention to wind protection: Sinocalycanthus chinensis is afraid of wind. If wind protection is not paid attention to, the leaves will develop rust spots due to rubbing against each other. If the flowering period is exposed to wind, the petals will not spread out properly, the flower buds will not open easily, or after blooming the petals will be blown scorched and wilted. For open-field cultivation, choose a wind-sheltered, sunny spot.

6. Pest and disease control

① Scale insects: Generally, when planted in dark, damp places, and in rainy summers, due to high temperature and stuffiness, wintersweet is prone to scale insects. Manual control can be used.

② Aphids: At the turn of spring and summer, tender buds are prone to aphids. Spraying with 50% pirimicarb 3000 times dilution can eliminate this pest.

③ Black spot: Occurs in hot seasons. Spray with 65% zineb 500 times dilution or 0.3 Baumé lime-sulfur mixture for treatment.

④ Anthracnose: Occurs in hot seasons. Spray with thiophanate 800 times dilution for treatment.