Chimonanthus praecox 'Grandiflorus'

RHS Plant Profile
large-flowered wintersweet
large-flowered wintersweet RHS 2000
Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

A bushy deciduous medium-sized shrub, with shiny lanceolate leaves to 15cm in length. Flowers small, highly fragrant, waxy yellow with maroon centre

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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed and softwood cuttings

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)