Sweetshrub ‘Hartlage Wine’

* Common name: Sweetshrub ‘Hartlage Wine’

* Botanical name: Calycanthus x raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’

* What it is: A mid-size flowering shrub that produces deep maroon, fruit-scented, peony-like flowers in late spring. Leaves are glossy green in summer, turning yellow in fall.

* Size: 8 feet tall and wide.

* Where to use: Best in part shade or dappled sunlight, such as woodlands, shade gardens and partly sunny borders. The rich flower color is eye-grabbing, so ‘Hartlage Wine’ carries its weight as a single specimen, at least when in bloom. Will tolerate full sun with good soil and adequate moisture.

* Care: Plant in rich, well drained soil and mulch with 2-3 inches of shredded bark. Soak weekly in droughts. Fertilizer usually not needed. If size-control pruning is needed, do it right after the plant finishes blooming in early summer.

* Great partner: Dark-leafed coralbells make a good planting around the base. Or surround with annual begonia ‘Dragon Wing Pink’ for color in summer to early fall after ‘Hartlage Wine’ finishes blooming.