Chimonanthus praecox - P9

Description
The Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) is a shrub-like shrub that produces yellow-red, bell-shaped flowers with a strong fragrance. They appear from January to March. The Wintersweet also has shiny, lanceolate, light green leaves. Its bark is grey and smooth. In a sunny to semi-shady, wind-protected location with well-drained, humus-rich soil, it usually reaches a height of approx. 2 metres and grows to a width of approx. 2 metres.

Synonym
Synonyms (botanical): Chimonanthus fragrans, Calycanthus praecox.

Bulletpoints
* strongly scented flowers * attractive yellow-green autumn colouring * cannot be built over

leaves
The deciduous leaves of Wintersweet are light green, lanceolate, glossy, opposite. Wintersweet turns bright yellow-green in autumn.

Bark
Grey, smooth bark makes this plant an eye-catcher in any garden.

Spread
China.

Frost hardiness
The Wintersweet has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Shrubby.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to semi-shady, wind-protected position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the soil is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
A slow-release fertiliser can be used in spring. This releases the nutrients slowly and continuously so that the plant is evenly supplied over a longer period of time.

Flower
The yellow-red, bell-shaped flowers appear from January to March. They grow to around 4 - 5 cm and are strongly scented.

Use
Solitary, group planting, ornamental shrub