Chimonanthus

Chymonanthus consists of four species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Usually only one of them is grown - early-maturing Chymonanthus (Chimonanthus praecox), or chymonanthus scented (C. fragrans), which in Europe is called "winter calicanthus", and botanists used to classify this plant as Calycanthus scented (Calycanthus fragrans). The plant can grow up to 2 m in height and up to 1.5-2.5 m in diameter. Leaves lanceolate whole-edged opposite, similar to willow leaves. The flowers are among the first to bloom in the garden early in spring, even as early as February. They appear on bare branches, singly or in pairs, small (diameter 2-2. 5 cm), cup-shaped, the outer sepals are yellow, the inner ones are short, with chestnut-purple stripes (petals missing). The flowers are very fragrant, they appear only a few years after planting the plant in the ground. The decorative form 'Large-flowered' has flowers with a red core and larger than that of the botanical species, the yellow color is darker. 'Yellow' has pale yellow flowers.

Chymonanthus consists of four species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Usually only one of them is grown - early-maturing Chymonanthus (Chimonanthus praecox), or chymonanthus scented (C. fragrans), which in Europe is called "winter calicanthus", and botanists used to classify this plant as Calycanthus scented (Calycanthus fragrans). The plant can grow up to 2 m in height and up to 1.5-2.5 m in diameter. Leaves lanceolate whole-edged opposite, similar to willow leaves. The flowers are among the first to bloom in the garden early in spring, even as early as February. They appear on bare branches, singly or in pairs, small (diameter 2-2. 5 cm), cup-shaped, the outer sepals are yellow, the inner ones are short, with chestnut-purple stripes (petals missing). The flowers are very fragrant, they appear only a few years after planting the plant in the ground. The decorative form 'Large-flowered' has flowers with a red core and larger than that of the botanical species, the yellow color is darker. 'Yellow' has pale yellow flowers.

Cultivation

Chymonanthus trees are grown in the open ground as garden plants. They are planted on a permanent planting site in October or March. Plants are not capricious about the soil, except that it should be fertile and well-drained. Slightly alkaline soils are suitable for cultivation. In the planting pit, it is recommended to apply organic fertilizers at the rate of 5-10 kg per plant. During the spring and summer period in water for irrigation (especially young plants) once every 20-30 days, a complex fertilizer is added at the rate of 10-20 g per bucket. At the end of the flowering period, it is enough easy pruning to thin out thickened branches. Plants in trellises near the walls are cut off, faded shoots are much shortened in places where they are attached to branches of the first order.

Location

Chymonanthus trees like a place in the open sun, protected from the wind. The ideal location is near the wall.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to both high temperatures and extremely low temperatures. They are sensitive only to cold strong winds.

Watering

It is also required for young plants during periods of drought. Avoid stagnation of water.

Reproduction

They are very easy to propagate layers. In September, choose long branches, cut from the underside and dig in the places of the incision. New plants are separated from the mother plant after 2 years. Sowing of seeds is carried out in late summer and early autumn in the seed soil in a closed, unheated room. Grown seedlings are planted singly in cups filled with humus, which is a mixture of peat, fertile land and sand (1:1:1), filled with a complex fertilizer at the rate of 10-20 g per bucket of soil. Cups can be buried in the fresh air. Landing at a permanent landing site they are carried out in 2-3 years, and flowering should be waited for another 3 years. Until the moment of planting finally in the ground, every spring the plants are transferred to new large pots.

Diseases

Unsatisfactory drainage can cause certain problems associated with chlorosis, which provokes the appearance of spots on the leaves, their yellowing. It is recommended to introduce iron chelates.

Acquisition

Chymonanthus trees are extremely easy to find in horticultural centers and specialized nurseries, where they are almost always sold under the name "calicanthus". It is preferable to buy plants in containers: they are subject to less shock from planting in the ground and bloom a year earlier than plants with an unprotected, open root system.

Chymonanthus: a few tips For abundant flowering and better frost resistance, it is recommended to plant chymonanthus in winter, in a place oriented to the south, in the open sun, since the sun's rays contribute to better lignification of stem tissues and strengthen the plant. You can achieve early flowering on cut branches. To do this, they are cut off after the appearance of buds and put in warm water. Although they are not particularly decorative, the branches can also be used in compositions due to the intense aroma of their flowers.

Chymonanthus: a few tips

For abundant flowering and better frost resistance, it is recommended to plant chymonanthus in winter, in a place oriented to the south, in the open sun, since the sun's rays contribute to better lignification of stem tissues and strengthen the plant. You can achieve early flowering on cut branches. To do this, they are cut off after the appearance of buds and put in warm water. Although they are not particularly decorative, the branches can also be used in compositions due to the intense aroma of their flowers.