Calycanthus praecox

Calycanthus praecox (Chimonanthus praecox), wintersweet, is a deciduous shrub of the Calycanthaceae family, grown above all for its winter flowering.

Characteristics
A compact shrub usually reaching 1-2 m, sometimes more, with upright, branching stems and a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are oval and glossy dark green, in opposite pairs, 5-10 cm long. The flowers are bell shaped, with numerous petals, pale yellow outside and red-brown at the centre, and appear on bare wood from December to February, filling the garden with an intense sweet fragrance.

Growing and care
Sun or light shade, sheltered from cold wind, in fertile, well drained soil; very hardy and long lived. Prune immediately after flowering, since flower buds form on the current year's wood.

Uses
Indispensable in the winter garden, near doors, paths and seating areas where the scent can be appreciated; also good in mixed borders and for cut branches indoors.