Winter scented shrubs

The still and often dull months of the winter season can  be filled with truly gorgeous perfume of winter flowering shrubs. Their flowers, often small and not showy, provide unique scent for weeks.

Here are the 5 best and reliable winter scented shrubs growing happily in many of our gardens around the Cotswolds and north Oxfordshire:

Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postille’

Evergreen or semi evergreen shrub with an amazing scent that drifts in the air even on cold days from late winter to early spring. Likes sheltered moist sites with a supply of compost, and can grow to 1,5m or higher in 10 years.

Hamamellis X intermedia ‘Aurora’ Witch Hazel

From mid to late winter this plant displays bright yellow tinted orange small flowers, with a rich fragrance during milder days. Growing and flowering best in full sun.

Sarcococca confusa

Winter box

Dense evergreen shrub with dark green small leaves, contrasting well with pure white flowers with incredibly sweet scent. Prefers slight shade from strong sun and moist soil, also well suited for hedging.

Chimonanthus praecox Luteus   Wintersweet

Fragrant waxy small yellow flowers appearing on barer branches in winter and very suitable for floral arrangements.

Edgeworthia chrysantha

Paper Bush

Small plant with oval leaves and clusters of small tubular flowers on bare branches from late winter to spring. Grows well in semi sheltered positions in soil rich in humus and leaf mould.