Wintersweet - (Chimonanthus praecox) Plant Information and Care
Wintersweet Grows large, in a bushy and upright habit up to 10 -15 feet tall and wide. However keep small with regular pruning. Plant in the full sun, or where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade in hot summer climates. This will protect the plant from heat stress and burned leaves. Plant in well draining soil and water regularly until established.
The Wintersweet belongs to the Calycanthacea family, and has the botanical name of Chimonanthus praecox. In Greek cheimon means "winter", and anthos is flower.
The strongly aromatic flowers are oppositely arranged, and mostly spirally-arranged yellow or light whitish flower tepals blooming in winter to early spring before leafing out. This is followed by their "fruit", which is an elliptic dry capsule about 3–4 cm long.
Prune the oldest branches, close to the ground after it finishes blooming. Fertilize with a complete balanced fertilizer with a 1-1-1 NPK ratio in the Spring through Summer. Use a low nitrogen but high phosphorus and potassium fertilizer before Winter blossoms to promote more flowers.