Calycanthus chinensis Planting Techniques and Care Management Methods
Calycanthus chinensis, also known as Mudanmu, Huangpipa, etc., is a deciduous ornamental flowering shrub of the genus Calycanthus in the family Calycanthaceae. 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, listed as a national second-class protected plant, and a Tertiary relict species. Let us take a look at the planting techniques for Calycanthus chinensis!
The Growing Environment of Calycanthus chinensis
Calycanthus 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 degrees C, and in winter it can resist a severe cold of -15 degrees C. It dislikes waterlogging, and grows vigorously in well-drained moist sandy loam with dark green leaves and can set seed. Under full sunlight the leaves turn yellow and growth is poor. It has strong suckering ability.
Propagation Methods of Calycanthus chinensis
1. Seed propagation: The seeds of Calycanthus chinensis mature in mid-to-late October. When the urn-shaped fruit capsule turns from green to yellow-brown and the achenes become purplish-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 advance 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 build a shade frame to prevent the seedlings from being scorched by the burning sun. Generally, first-year seedlings can reach 30 cm in height, with roots 20-25 cm long, and 2-3 branches on the above-ground part. Leaving them in the bed for one year, they can be transplanted and planted out. Seedlings from seed generally take 4-5 years to form buds and bloom.
2. Division propagation: Calycanthus chinensis can also be propagated by division using its root suckers. When dividing, dig out the plant with a spade, shake off the soil on the roots, and use a sharp knife or branch 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 10 cm and plant it. Division should be carried out after leaf fall in autumn and before bud break in spring.
Planting Techniques of Calycanthus 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, fill with soil and raise the level to prevent water accumulation. When the soil is too alkaline, use replaced 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: Calycanthus chinensis has strong branching ability. Pruning can make it sprout 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-infested branches. For one-year-old branches, keep two to three pairs of buds at the base and cut off the upper branches to promote branching. Afterward, each time the new branches grow two to three pairs of leaves, pinch the tips once to promote the sprouting of short and sturdy flowering branches, making the plant shape well-balanced and beautiful. Pruning is mostly carried out from March to June, and stops after July. If pruning is not done at the right time, many vigorous water sprouts are likely to grow, consuming nutrients, causing poor flower bud differentiation, and affecting flowering.
3. Timely fertilization: Calycanthus chinensis likes fertilizer. Timely fertilization can promote flower bud differentiation and more flowering. For ground-planted Calycanthus chinensis, apply a light fertilizer once a month in a trench. Do not apply heavy fertilizer, so as to avoid excessive growth after autumn and affect 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 compound fertilizer once every 10-15 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 fertilization at this time should be light, otherwise it easily causes root rot and leads to 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 diluted horse-hoof water once more to supply the nutrients needed for flowering. Fertilization of Calycanthus 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: Calycanthus chinensis is drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging. Flower growers have a saying that "Calycanthus chinensis cannot be killed by drought." However, it must not lack water in summer, so as to avoid dry and whitish blotches forming on the leaves and affecting flower bud formation. It is best to keep the soil in a semi-moist state. If watered too much, the plant grows poorly and flower bud differentiation is affected. 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 makes the flowers bloom unevenly.
5. Pay attention to wind protection: Calycanthus chinensis is afraid of wind. If wind protection is not given attention, the leaves will develop rust spots due to mutual friction. If the flowering period is exposed to wind, the petals will appear not fully extended, the flower buds will be difficult to open, or after blooming the petals will be scorched and withered by the wind. For open-field cultivation, choose a wind-sheltered and sunny place.
6. Pest and disease control
(1) Scale insects: Generally, when planted in dark and damp places, during rainy summers, due to high temperature and stuffiness, Calycanthus chinensis is prone to scale insects, which can be controlled manually.
(2) Aphids: At the turn of spring and summer, tender buds are prone to aphids. Spraying with 50% pirimicarb 3000-fold solution can eliminate this pest.
(3) Black spot disease: It occurs in high-temperature seasons. Spray with 65% zineb 500-fold solution or 0.3 Baume lime-sulfur mixture for treatment.
(4) Anthracnose: It occurs in high-temperature seasons. Spray with thiophanate 800-fold solution for treatment.