Calycanthus floridus 'Athens', Athens Sweet Shrub

An unusual light yellow-green flowered form (like an unfolding lotus) of the deciduous native sweetshrubs, introduced by Mike Dirr. Also known as Carolina Allspice, it blooms in May and intermittently thereafter pervading the atmosphere with a pleasant, subtle, fruity fragrance—probably the strongest fragrance of all the Calycanthus (one wonders where the fruit salad is). The leaf, a little smaller than other Calycanthus, is in fall a lovely clear yellow. Mature size: 5 feet T x W; dense, rounded shrub. 1.5-inch wide flower.  Minimum temperature: -20° F