'Aphrodite’ Calycanthus receives the Theodore Klein Plant Award

The University of Kentucky and Yew Dell Botanical Gardens has included Proven Winners ColorChoice ‘Aphrodite’ Calycanthus in its 2021 list of plants to receive the Theodore Klein Plant Award.

‘Aphrodite’ sweetshrub is one of six plants chosen for the 2021 Theodore Klein award. Plants are selected based on their ability to be efficiently propagated and produced; found established in Kentucky, and to be non-invasive and pest resistant.

The goals of the Theodore Klein Plant Award program are to promote enthusiasm for and interest in plants among gardeners; to encourage the development of new cultivars and hybrids by Kentucky nurserymen; to increase the recognition, reputation, and profitability of the Kentucky nursery and landscape industries.

Blooming profusely for two months in late-spring to early-summer, ‘Aphrodite’ Calycanthus, boasts very large flowers that resemble red magnolias, which appear amid glossy, tropical-looking foliage. ‘Aphrodite’ is a plant for large spaces developed by Dr. Tom Ranney at North Carolina State University. The cultivar reaches heights of 5’-10’, widths of 6-10’, and is hardy in USDA zones 5b-9 (-20°F/-28.9°C).

When notified about the award, breeder Dr. Ranney remarked, “I’m not surprised, I’ve fallen for her too.”

‘Aphrodite’ sweetshrub joins Invincibelle Spirit II H. arborescens (2019) and Summer Wine Physocarpus (2007) in the list of Proven Winners ColorChoice shrubs that have been honored with this award.

More information about the Theodore Klein Plant Awards can be found here. For more information about ‘Aphrodite’ Calycanthus, visit ProvenWinners-Shrubs.com and SpringMeadowNursery.com.