Chimonanthus - Winter Sweet

(Chimonan'thus)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of six evergreen and deciduous shrubs native to China, though only one, C. praecox, is usually grown. These shrubs, commonly known as Wintersweet, produce very fragrant, waxy flowers in the winter. C. praecox is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub that produces waxy, light yellow flowers with purple centers. The blossoms, which aren't produced on young plants, are extremely fragrant; a single spray bearing three or four flowers is sufficient to fill a moderately sized room with sweet smell. This shrub is great for lining walkways or sitting areas.

POTTING: Wintersweets can be grown in any well-drained soil, though loamy soil is the best. It is best to plant these shrubs against a warm wall to ripen the growth, except in hot, sunny climates. If they are planted against a wall, they should be pruned back right after flowering; little pruning is required when grown in the garden.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings of half-ripe shoots can be rooted in a propagating case in a greenhouse in July, however, they are very hard to root and better results may be had by layering the lower branches in the spring.

VAREITIES: C. praecox & var. Grandiflorus, Luteus.

Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.

Back to our botanical home page.