Chimonanthus praecox

RHS Plant Profile
wintersweet

Other common names

蜡梅 (là méi), Japan all-spice

Synonyms

Calycanthus praecox
Chimonanthus fragrans

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Calycanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)