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- Winter 2012
- Fall 2011
Winter 2012
Family:
Calycanthaceae
Botanical name:
Chimonanthus
praecox
CommonName:
Wintersweet
Pronunciation:
(ky-moh-NAN-thus) (pray-koks)
Reference #1
Dave's Garden
Reference #2
Wikipedia
Reference #3
A Digital Botanic Garden
Reference #4
Karins Garden Tips
Notes:
The power of smell is an amazing sense, which can bring great delight, often sparking memories and emotions from times past. A warm environment seems to excite microscopic particles, lifting them into the air, where they waft to our noses. A colder environment is less prone to exciting those tiny particles, so a fragrance must be very powerful to capture our attention when it is cold. Part of the magic of a garden is the amazing fragrances encountered throughout. Prized for its luscious scent, wintersweet’s heady perfume has the power to break through winter’s chilly grasp, much to the delight of passersby. Whether this flower’s scent is encouraged by light, warmth, or moisture is unclear. Chimonanthus Praecox originated in China, and in the early 1600’s was introduced to Japan. From there it made its way to Europe, particularly England in the late 1700’s. It is unknown when the plant appeared in North America, though reference to this species has been found in plant and seed catalogs from approximately 1811. Wintersweet is usually propagated from seed, and can take several years to take off. It is often recommended to place this shrub near a south facing wall to protect it from excessive weather. For much of the year it is a fairly nondescript figure in the garden. Many gardeners suggest planting a climbing vine such as clematis at the base, to create color and interest on the leafy frame during spring and summer seasons. Beginning in January and lasting until March, it displays it’s finery in the form of small flowers along its bare branches. The blossoms’ coloring originates with a deep purple center, graduating outward to graceful yellow petals. The flowers eventually give way to elongated leaves, and the shrub fades into the background of more flamboyant spring and summer scenery. Autumn brings a handsome yellow coloration before the plant loses its leaves in preparation for its next show. In Streissguth Gardens, wintersweet is found west of the Lower Woodland Path (behind the old garages) and at the north end of the Pink Castle Path (newer path in the southwest section of the garden.)