Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) | Fragrant Winter-Blooming Shrub

Wintersweet

5 Gallon

$199.00

1/6

Wintersweet

Chimonanthus praecox, Yellow Wintersweet, Alpspice, Cheimon

A winter-flowering classic, prized for its powerfully sweet fragrance that perfumes the garden during the coldest months.

$199.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Wintersweet is a cherished deciduous shrub that offers one of the garden's most magical winter experiences. When much of the landscape is still asleep, its bare, arching branches become adorned from late December onwards with clusters of small, waxy, translucent yellow flowers. The petals curl elegantly backwards, revealing a delicate, maroon-stained center. These unassuming blooms release an extraordinarily potent and sweet fragrance that can carry on the cold winter air, transforming a quiet corner into a perfumed sanctuary. It is a plant of subtle beauty and unforgettable scent, celebrated for bringing life to the dormant season.

Iconic Winter Fragrance: Its primary glory is the intensely sweet, spicy, and honey-like perfume emitted by its small yellow flowers during the depths of winter.
Delicate Winter Blooms: Bears numerous small, waxy, pendulous flowers with reflexed (curled-back) yellow petals and a dark maroon center on leafless wood.
Valuable Seasonal Interest: Provides a rare and precious display of color and scent for 4-6 weeks in mid-winter, typically from December to February in the Bay Area.
Large, Graceful Shrub: Matures into a substantial, multi-stemmed, vase-shaped shrub with broad, rough-textured leaves that turn yellow in fall.
Low-Maintenance & Adaptable: Thrives in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires only minimal pruning after flowering.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Oval, smooth-edged dark green leaves with rough texture, turning yellow in fall. Produces waxy, elongated yellow petals that curl backward, blooming along bare branches with delicate sweet fragrance.
Mature Height: 10-15 ft
Mature Width: 8-12 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Winter blooms (December-January),Intensely fragrant flowers,Fall foliage interest,Pest resistant
Landscape Uses: Winter garden focal points,Fragrance gardens,Courtyard plantings,Asian-inspired landscapes
Special Care:Prune lightly after flowering,Tolerates various soil types,Water moderately during growth,Fertilize in early spring
Seasonal Interest:Flowers: Winter (peaks December),Foliage: Yellow fall color

Q: What's the difference between Chimonanthus praecox and the 'Grandiflorus' cultivar?
A: The main differences are flower size and form. The species (C. praecox) has smaller, more reflexed petals. The 'Grandiflorus' cultivar is noted for its larger, more cup-shaped flowers with broader, less curled petals, often presenting a slightly bolder visual display.

Q: How can I encourage more blooms?
A: Ensure it is planted in full sun for maximum flower production. The most critical factor is to avoid pruning at the wrong time. Prune only to shape the plant, and do so immediately after it finishes flowering in late winter. Pruning in fall or spring will remove the flower buds.