Chimonanthus praecox

Common Name:
Wintersweet

Description:
Chimonanthus praecox, commonly known as Wintersweet, is a highly fragrant deciduous shrub that flowers in the heart of winter, bringing colour and scent to cold-season gardens. Its delicate, waxy, pale yellow flowers, often tinged with purple at the centre, bloom on bare branches before the foliage emerges, filling the air with a sweet, spicy fragrance. The glossy green leaves appear in spring and turn golden yellow in autumn. This hardy shrub thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny to partly shaded position. It is frost-tolerant and drought-resistant once established, making it an excellent choice for Melbourne gardens. Perfect as a feature plant, in mixed borders, or near pathways where its fragrance can be enjoyed, Wintersweet is a must-have for winter interest.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 2–4 m
• Width: 2–3 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Winter

Flower Colour:

• Pale Yellow with Purple Centre

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Drought Tolerant (once established)
• Frost Tolerant
• Scented Flowers
• Perennial
• Low Maintenance

Toxicity:

• Seeds are toxic if ingested

Companion Plants:

• Daphne (Daphne odora)
• Camellia (Camellia sasanqua)
• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.)
• Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)