PLANT OF THE MONTH

Chimonanthus praecox var. Luteus

Latin Name:  Chimonanthus praecox var. Luteus

Common Name:  Wintersweet or Japanese Allspice

Family:  Calycanthaceae

Type:  Deciduous Flowering Shrub

Origin:  China

Location at Bloedel Reserve:  Gatehouse Beds near Giant Sequoia

Garden Uses:  Border Planting, Winter Interest Specimen

Fun Fact:  Native to the forested areas of China, often thriving in the understory, this plant fills the area around it with a very unique, spicy, floral fragrance. This specimen at Bloedel Reserve has been one of our staff’s favorites for years. The genus name comes from the Greek words cheimon meaning winter and anthos meaning flower. The specific epithet means very early in reference to bloom time. Although one of the common names is “Japanese Allspice”, it is not related to the culinary ingredient.