Family: Calycanthaceae
Scientific name: Chimonanthus praecox
Common name: Wintersweet
Origin: China
This species blooms in spring with primitive flowers (same family as Calycanthus) which smell quite nice. The fragrance seems like a mix of violins and lemons. The flowers are white-yellow with a brown-reddish heart. The plant grows in the rural areas of China at an altitude of 3.000 meters and slowly grows up to a height of about 3 meters. Provide a sunny, warm spot in the garden. Winter-hardy.
Sowing description: Scour seeds on hard side until one side has become thinner. Then, let the seeds soak for 48 hours in water. Floating seeds have to be scoured better, sinking seeds can be sowed in sowing mix. Constantly keep the soil moist and let them germinate at room temperature. Cold stratification could stimulate the germination.
Sowing time: December - June
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -20 degrees Celsius
Photo 2: Daderot
