Wintersweet – Chimonanthus praecox.

 

 

This is a hardy shrub often used as a wall plant. It is wonderful for a short time in the winter, between December and February. This winter the flowers on my plant were glorious until battered in last night’s storm (2/3 Jan). But worth it!

It flowers on bare twigs, the waxy cream/purple flowers giving out a rich sweet scent. The rest of the year it is not wildly exciting unless it sets seed and I generally grow something through it eg nasturtium, morning glory, sweet peas or you can use some of the smaller Clematis (alpina, macropetala).

It is generally easy and trouble free, seems to like my thin chalky soil and has to be kept under control on a south west facing fence as there is limited space. I have had this plant for over 25 years and it doesn’t seem to mind me cutting back any unruly growth at any time of year. It has also been transplanted once. The flowers don’t need much encouraging, but for the best results cut back the young shoots/laterals to 2″-3″ long after flowering.

It can also be grown as a free standing shrub.

Between 8′-10′ tall and 6′-8′ across.