Chimonanthus Praecox

Wintersweet is a celebrated Chinese shrub whose bare winter branches carry small waxy flowers of translucent yellow-green surrounding a dark maroon centre. Their appearance is modest, but the powerful sweet fragrance can fill a garden and perfume an entire room from only a few cut twigs. Known in China as la mei, it has been admired in gardens and art for centuries as a symbol of resilience because it flowers during the coldest season. The summer foliage is simple and glossy, allowing the winter display to remain the plant’s great event. A warm, sheltered wall encourages the richest scent and flowering.