Sweetshrub Hybrid

Calycanthus x raulstonii 'Hartlage Wine'

$28.00 Sold out

| Hardiness Zones 6-9

A Southern Hybrid of Rare Distinction

Born of careful hands and watchful eyes at the JC Raulston Arboretum in North Carolina, ‘Hartlage Wine’ is a garden shrub of uncommon grace. A cross between our native Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus) and the refined Chinese sweetshrub (Calycanthus sinensis), this deciduous beauty blends the heartiness of the Southern wild with the quiet elegance of the East.

In spring, its branches open with deep wine-red blooms touched at the center with a hint of gold. Each flower, broad and open like a magnolia, measures nearly three inches across and carries a light, sweet scent. The show begins in late spring and lingers through summer, with blooms returning here and there into early fall.

Growing upright and full, ‘Hartlage Wine’ reaches 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, but asks for little more than good soil and a touch of shade from the hottest sun. Unlike its native kin, it does not run underground, making it well-mannered and easy to manage in the thoughtful garden.

This is a shrub for those who appreciate slow beauty—long blooming, deer-resistant, and rich with seasonal presence. Planted near a shaded path or at the edge of a woodland border, ‘Hartlage Wine’ offers a quiet kind of splendor, the sort that stays with you long after the last bloom fades.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 6 - 9
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Moist and Rich
  • Height at Maturity: 6 - 10 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 6 - 8 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Deciduous
Flower/Foliage

Flowers:

The blossoms of Calycanthus × raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ are its most striking feature—large, open, and boldly colored. Each bloom measures 2.5 to 3 inches across and bears a rich wine-red to burgundy hue, with subtle cream to yellow accents at the center. The petal-like tepals are slightly waxy, overlapping in a layered, magnolia-like form that reflects its hybrid heritage. While not as heavily scented as the native sweetshrub (C. floridus), the flowers offer a light, pleasant fragrance and bloom prolifically from late spring into midsummer, often continuing intermittently into fall.

Foliage:

The foliage is lush, broad, and deep green, emerging early in spring and holding color well into autumn. Leaves are ovate to elliptical, typically 4–6 inches long, with a smooth texture and a glossy finish that enhances the shrub’s ornamental appeal. In fall, the foliage may take on soft golden tones before dropping, revealing the gracefully arching branches beneath.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

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Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.