Chimonanthus praecox
wintersweet
Small, sweetly scented, sulphur-yellow flowers stained purple inside appear on bare branches throughout the winter months. A vigorous shrub, Chimonanthus praecox...
A useful shrub grown by the back door or under a window to appreciate the light spicy winter scent
Plant description
Try to plant it close to a house entrance or path where its scent can be appreciated. Highly prized by floral arrangers, a stem of these unusual, bowl-shaped blooms makes a wonderfully fragrant indoor display.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Chimonanthus praecox:
Please note:
GOES WELL WITH
February pruning of trees, shrubs and climbers
The garden is at its most dormant right now, so it’s a good time to catch up on any pruning missed or forgotten since the autumn. If the weather isn’t favourable, you can leave it for a week or two, but make sure all winter pruning is completed before the
Read full articleGenerously scented and generously proportioned
The subtly-toned wintersweet Chimonanthus praecox is one of the most useful winter shrubs, producing almost translucent antique-yellow flowers warmed by a dash of blood-red. However this shrub needs a great deal of space and good light, taking up a 2m spr
Read full article