Chimonanthus praecox (Wintersweet)

Chimonanthus praecox (Wintersweet) Details

Chimonanthus praecox, commonly known as Wintersweet, is a deciduous shrub grown for its winter flowering. During this time, it bears fragrant, bright yellow flowers throughout a mass of intertwining, bare branches. These give rise to elongated green fruits in spring amidst the lush, green foliage. It typically grows to 2 m tall and the same wide, performing best when grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. It is hardy to coastal environments, dry conditions, frosts, and cool climates. Wintersweet plants are commonly used in mixed plantings, planted for winter colour, or grown anywhere the winter fragrance and colour can be enjoyed. The stems are often used in floral arrangements. Chimonanthus praecox makes for a popular and colourful addition to a NZ garden.