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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names wintersweet Japan all-spice
Synonyms Calycanthus praecox Chimonanthus fragrans
Family Calycanthaceae
Genus Chimonanthus can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs with simple leaves and highly fragrant, bowl-shaped, many-petalled flowers borne in winter, followed by cylindrical or urn-shaped seed capsules
Details C. praecox is a deciduous shrub with a bushy, much-branched habit, growing to 2.5m or higher against a wall. Leaves are lance-shaped, 5-12cm long, shining dark green. Flowers solitary or in small groups, almost stemless, borne in winter at the joints of the previous summer's shoots. Highly fragrant, the outer tepals almost tranparent, yellowish-green, inner tepals shorter, dark reddish purple
Plant range China
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Fragrance Flower
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H5
Full Sun
Aspect South-facing or East-facing
Exposure Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 2.5-4 metres
Ultimate spread 1.5-2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 10-20 years
Cultivation Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun
Propagation Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Can also be propagated by softwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Low Maintenance Wall-side Borders City & Courtyard Gardens Cottage & Informal Garden
Pruning Pruning group 1
Pests Generally pest free
Diseases Generally disease free
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wintersweet
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