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Chimonanthus nitens

An evergreen shrub to 3m, with glossy leaves to 10cm long, carried in opposite pairs. In winter, spidery, white, fragrant flowers are produced at the leaf axils

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter White Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe in a coldframe, or take softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Cut back hard after flowering to maintain shape

Pests

Genrally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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