Overview

Chimonanthus praecox is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Chimonanthus, part of the Calycanthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Chimonanthus praecox grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and wall side borders. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central and China Southeast.

About

Chimonanthus praecox, also known as wintersweet and Japanese allspice, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Chimonanthus of the family Calycanthaceae. The plant is native to China and is known as làméi in Chinese.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chimonanthus praecox

About the genus

Chimonanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Calycanthaceae, native to China, but is also cultivated elsewhere in Asia, including Iran. The genus includes three to six species depending on taxonomic interpretation; six are accepted by the Flora of China. The name means winter flower in Greek.

Wikipedia contributors, "Chimonanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chimonanthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Chimonanthus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Chimonanthus praecox size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

deciduous shrub

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

3.0 m

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders

Native to

China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast

Fragrance

fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chimonanthus praecox

Propagation

Seed, Softwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions