About
Chimonanthus praecox is a deciduous shrub characterized by a dense, multi-branched structure, typically reaching heights of 2.5 meters or more when supported against a wall. The leaves are lanceolate, measuring between 5 to 12 centimeters in length, and exhibit a glossy dark green hue. In winter, the plant produces solitary flowers or small clusters at the nodes of last summer's growth. These blooms are known for their strong fragrance; the outer tepals are nearly transparent with a yellowish-green tint, while the inner tepals are shorter and display a dark reddish-purple color.
About the genus
Chimonanthus encompasses both evergreen and deciduous shrubs characterized by simple foliage. In winter, these plants produce fragrant, bowl-shaped flowers with numerous petals, which are succeeded by cylindrical or urn-like seed capsules.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Can also be propagated by softwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)