Top 5... Scented winter shrubs

Give your nose a fragrant treat throughout the coldest months with these plants

1 Chimonanthus praecox Sweetly scented, waxy, yellow and maroon flowers on bare stems. Hardy to -15C (5F). Any well-drained soil in sun. H: 4m (13ft), S: 3m (10ft). Tip Best trained against a sunny wall or fence. From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.

2 Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’ Aristocratic evergreen with glossy green leaves and clusters of highly fragrant white flowers throughout winter. Any moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. H/S: 1.5m (5ft). Tip Ideal for shady spots around buildings or under trees. From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111. 3 Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Red Dragon’

Rounded, deciduous, slow-growing shrub, producing clusters of striking orange-red, fragrant flowers. Unusual, often expensive, but worth the effort. Moist, welldrained soil with plenty of humus in dappled shade. Hardy to -10C (14F). H/S: 1.5m (5ft).

Tip Pot-grow and keep in a cool conservatory in cold climates.

From www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.

4 Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’

Slow-growing, semi-evergreen shrub, with clusters of perfumed purplypink and white flowers in late winter. Any well-drained soil in a sheltered position in sun or semi-shade. H: 4m (13ft), S: 1.5m (5ft).

Tip Place near a well-used door or path to gain maximum fragrance.

From www.thompson-morgan.com; tel: 0844 573 1818. 5 Lonicera purpusii ‘Winter Beauty’

Twiggy, deciduous shrub with oval leaves. Clusters of sweet-smelling, white, two-lipped flowers from December. Fully hardy. Any moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 1.8m (6ft), S: 2.5m (8ft). Tip Prune after flowering to keep in shape.

From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.