Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Wintersweet is a shrub native to China that bears fragrant yellow flowers on bare branches in winter. It is grown as an ornamental in U.S. gardens, especially where winters are mild enough for early blooms.

Appearance

Growth form: This shrub grows about 10–15 ft (3–4.6 m) tall.
Flowers: Small, waxy yellow flowers usually have reddish-purple inner parts and a strong scent.
Flowering time: In warmer U.S. winter areas, flowers may start in December; colder sites may not bloom until February or March.

Look-alikes

Japanese flowering plumPrunus mume

Japanese flowering plum (Prunus mume) has broad white or pink petals. Wintersweet has waxy yellow flowers with a darker center.

Why they get mixed upBoth can flower on bare branches in winter.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Gardens
Arboretums
Range: Native to China, it is planted in the United States rather than native there.
Preferred conditions: In North Carolina, it grows in sun or part shade and well-drained soil; it is listed for hardiness zones 7a–9b.

Growing it

Care: Prune soon after flowering because blooms form on older wood.

Name and classification

About the name: The variety Chimonanthus praecox concolor has yellow flower centers. Flower center color is a useful clue.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

7 sources