Description
Chimonanthus praecox, also called Wintersweet, is a shrub native to China which is distinguished by its very fragrant winter flowering. Its yellow flowers with a red center appear on bare branches between late December and March, depending on the climate. They give off an intense aroma of hyacinth that perfumes the garden. Wintersweet is also appreciated for its deciduous foliage, which turns golden yellow in autumn.
To cultivate Chimonanthus praecox in the garden, you must choose a sunny or partial shade location, sheltered from cold winds and late frosts which can damage the flower buds. It prefers rich, fresh and well-drained soil, with a neutral or very slightly acidic pH. It tolerates drought once established, but it must be watered regularly during the first two years after planting. It is also necessary to provide it with compost or decomposed manure in spring and fall to encourage its growth and flowering.
Wintersweet can be integrated into the garden in different ways. It can form a flowering hedge with other winter-flowering shrubs, such as daphne, winter jasmine or mahonia. It can also be planted alone, in clumps or in a container on a terrace, to make the most of its scent. It can reach 2.50 meters in height and 2 meters in width, but it is slow growing and can be pruned if necessary. Pruning is carried out after flowering, by removing dead or annoying branches, and by shortening the branches which have flowered.
Chimonanthus praecox is a hardy shrub that resists from -15° to -20°C, but it fears humid cold, which can cause its roots to rot. To protect it from the cold of winter, you need to mulch it with dead leaves, wood chips or straw. If the frost is too strong, you should also wrap your foliage with a winter veil or burlap. Wintersweet is not very susceptible to diseases or parasites, but it can be attacked by aphids or mealybugs. To eliminate them, spray a mixture of soapy water or a decoction of garlic on the infested parts.
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