Plant of the moment – Chimonanthus praecox
Patient Gardener was talking about her Plant of the moment in a recent post. This morning I looked out of my conservatory window and realised I was looking at mine. It is Chimonanthus praecox (Wintersweet).
Chimonanthus praecox on December 20th
This shrub, which originates from China, grows to about 4 metres high (13 feet) and it takes a few years before it is mature enough to flower. The flowers appear on bare branches. For me it usually starts flowering in November and continues into early February. It is at its best at the moment (late December).
Chimonanthus praecox
The flowers hang in clusters and are vaguely bell shaped but with long narrow pale yellow petals and a reddish brown centre. They are waxy looking and almost translucent. Above all they are intensely fragrant, and it is an advantage to have them accessible so you can appreciate the smell. A branch can be cut and brought indoors where it will fill a room with its sweet scent. The flowers can are often used in pot-pourri and to make perfumes.
Chimonanthus praecox
Although hardy in the UK (hardy to USDA Zone 6) the flowers can be damaged by frost so a sheltered position is better. If there is a downside it is that the bush is rather average looking once the foliage appears. It would be best to put it where something else grows nearby to provide interest for the rest of the year. Alternatively grow a climber over it (which can be cut back before the Wintersweet blooms). Although it can be pruned this does result in far fewer flowers. Mine has not got enough space which is a shame as I am forced to prune it regularly. On the upside I can reach the flowers easily!
11 comments
What a beauty and and being able to see out of the window must be an extra bonus. Another one for my wish list with possibly a clematis as a companion :)
I enjoyed looking at your pics and reading about your plant of the moment. The flowers almost remind me of strawflowers, but are softer and prettier.
Thanks for the link to my blog. Glad you joined in with you plant of the moment,
Your Chimonanthus looks lovely
Those blooms are simply gorgeous.
Wow! What pretty blooms…love the colours too! I agree with Anna about the view.
What a beautiful bloom on that shrub. Thanks for sharing your plant of the moment! :)
I’ve never grown it, partly because it needs a lot of space (which London gardens don’t provide) and, as you say, it looks a bit ordinary when it’s not in flower. But your post has really made me wish I did grow it. That last picture of the flowers against the light is beautiful.
I’ve been considering it, this makes the temptation even stronger. That’s a great close up shot of the flowers from below.
Hi EG, that is one lovely bush, and the winter bloom is fabulous. So glad your is giving you such pleasure! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Frances
I have just received a seed for this – yes just the one seed! So it will be interesting to see if it grows!
Helen: Heavens, make sure you don’t drop it (lol). Good luck.
just stumbled across this section looking for info on this plant as i just received my Diggers Club catalogue (Australian Plant Magazine) & liked the idea of a beautiful perfumed plant. I am so glad i found your item thank you for the beautiful pictures & I now know I will plant mine at my window & hope to be able to view the beautiful flowers & smell their heady perfume in a couple of years time ..cant wait
Regards
Valerie
Leave a Comment