Chimonanthus praecox (Winter Sweet, Chimonanthus)

Chimonanthus is planted for its much needed winter colour and scent, thus the name winter sweet. Masses of tiny golden yellow scented balls are suspended from mature branches where they provide a special treat for those brave enough to be out and about in the garden in the depths of winter.

This vigorous upward arching shrub prefers a sheltered position in full sun or part shade, where it is suited to being grown against a wall, within a border or alongside woodland planting. Avoid pruning young plants, pruning out tired old growth during dormancy, cutting back flowering shoots in spring for wall shrubs to shape.

Strengths of Chimonanthus praecox:

• Scented blossom
• Attractive autumn colour
• Provides valuable winter interest
• Produces winter flowers

Weaknesses of Chimonanthus praecox

• Will not tolerate exposed, cold or hot and sunny locations
• Does not tolerate very dry or very wet soils

Design & Plant Use for Chimonanthus praecox:

• Provides scented winter blossom

View all the plants listed in Genus Chimonanthus

View other shrubs with yellow flowers, or shrubs with medium green foliage