Chimonanthus praecox
Wintersweet, Fragrant wintersweet
Also known as Meratia fragrans
- Height × spread
- 3m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Winter
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A quiet plant, wintersweet has dark green long leaves which are somewhat pendulous. In the winter the bare branches carry small waxy yellow blooms that have a purple stain at their centre. The flowers have a delightful perfume and open more when the weather is milder; but they are rather susceptible to frost. The plant needs to reach five or six years of age before it begins to flower. This shrub needs the protection of a warm wall in the midlands or north.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-vanilla
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 3m
- Spread
- 3m
- Height in 10 years
- 2.4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2.4m
- Season of interest
- Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Deer
- May be browsed by deer
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.