What is Wintersweet?

Wintersweet, also known as chimonanthus, is a type of flowering evergreen plant. These plants are indigenous to China, and omit a fragrant and spicy scent. The chimonanthus plant will typically bloom in late winter. It is believed that wintersweet may have antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for medicinal purposes.

Wintersweet in bloom will develop delicate yellow flowers on its stems, which produce no leaves. These are typically a slow-growing type of shrub. The shrub can grow to more than 12 feet (3.6 m) in height. The plant is typically more narrow than it is tall. In deciding where to plant this shrub, one should consider that this species requires well-draining soil, and will not thrive in extremely wet conditions.

The yellow flowers of a wintersweet plant generally produce centers that have a purplish-brown hue. The flowering plant is generally hardy, although susceptible to mites, beetles, and other small pests. When sowing this plant, it is important to note that it could take several years for it to fully bloom. It may be kept as a large shrub or can be pruned down to a smaller plant.

If pruning is desired, doing so in late winter is typically best. This should be done after the tree has produced its flowers. It is recommended to thin out any damaged branches that show signs of strain or disease. Diseases, however, are not a common issue in this genus of plant. The bright color of this plant's flowers make a nice contrast against a deeper shaded evergreen tree or shrub, and teaming the two together is recommended.

Caring for wintersweet is relatively easy and low maintenance. The plant should be fed a quality organic fertilizer and maintained with a natural type of compost placed around the soil. This species can tolerate full sunlight, although partial shade is recommended for a few hours daily. These types of plants produce what is known as a winter flower. This makes wintersweet a good choice for those who wish to dress up their gardens during the winter months.

The fragrance of the wintersweet can often be extremely powerful. The flowers and stems, as well as the branches, produce the distinctive scent. It is often desirable to cut off a branch or two, placing them inside the home for a rich, aromatic essence.