The Chinese Sweetshrub is a deciduous shrub or a small tree with large, white or pink flowers. It is related to the native strawberry shrub and, like that plant, it also has aromatic foliage. Hardy in zones 6-8.
Growing Instructions for the Chinese Sweetshrub
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 3 months. 3. The seeds like moist soil. Use a sterile seed starter mix, if available. It prevents soil fungi from damaging the seeds and the seedlings. If not available, then make a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. 4. Put the soil in a pot. 5. Sow the seeds 3/8 of an inch deep. 6. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 7. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 8. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.