Chimonanthus praecox (Wintersweet)

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Chimonanthus praecox, known as wintersweet, is a deciduous shrub cherished for its intensely fragrant, translucent yellow flowers that bloom on bare branches in the depths of winter. Each waxy bloom is etched with a hint of maroon at the base and releases a perfume so rich and spicy it can fill the entire garden on a still day.

This slow-growing shrub reaches 2–3 m high and wide over time. It prefers a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil and benefits from warmth at the root zone — a north-facing wall or courtyard in New Zealand suits it perfectly. While tolerant of frost, flowers may be damaged by hard freezes, so site with care. Once established, it’s drought tolerant and long-lived.

Wintersweet has been cultivated in Chinese gardens for over a thousand years and often appears in classical poetry as a symbol of perseverance and quiet strength through adversity.

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