Wintersweet is a deciduous shrub 2–3 m tall whose bare branches in mid‑winter bear cup‑shaped, waxy yellow flowers with a powerful, spicy fragrance. Leaves appear after flowering, turning clear yellow in autumn. Plant against a sunny wall to intensify scent and aid ripening of wood for hardiness (to −15 °C). Prefers well‑drained soil, mulched to conserve moisture, and minimal pruning—just remove overcrowded stems after bloom.