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Chimonanthus salicifolius

A twiggy, evergreen shrub to 2.5m, with lightly fragrant, spidery white flowers borne singly on short stalks in winter

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter White Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Calycanthaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Chimonanthus can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs with simple leaves and highly fragrant, bowl-shaped, many-petalled flowers borne in winter, followed by cylindrical or urn-shaped seed capsules

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame, or take greenwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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