Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ – Fragrance and Colour in the Winter Garden

The Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is a much-loved shrub, famous for its fragrant flowers that bloom during the coldest months of the year. From November through to early spring, clusters of rosy-pink buds open into pale pink, highly scented blooms, releasing a sweet perfume that drifts through the garden when little else is in flower.

Its upright form, hardy nature, and seasonal interest make it an excellent choice for borders, mixed planting schemes, or as a specimen shrub. With its bare branches covered in flowers during winter, followed by fresh green foliage in spring and autumn leaf colour, ‘Dawn’ truly provides year-round appeal.

General Information

This hybrid viburnum was bred at Bodnant Garden in Wales in the 1930s, and ‘Dawn’ has since become one of the most popular winter-flowering shrubs.

• Habit: Upright, deciduous shrub with arching stems.

• Height & spread: Grows 2–3m tall and 1.5–2m wide at maturity.

• Foliage: Fresh green leaves appear after flowering in spring, turning attractive red and purple in autumn.

• Flowers: Clusters of small, tubular, sweetly fragrant pink flowers borne on bare stems from November to March.

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet scent, noticeable even on cold days.

• Position: Best in full sun or partial shade. Flowers best in sunnier positions.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained but moist soil; tolerates a wide range including clay and loam.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland, flowering even in frost.

• Uses: Ideal for borders, specimen planting, winter gardens, or along paths and entrances where fragrance can be enjoyed.

With its long flowering season and scented blooms, it is a valuable shrub for adding winter beauty and fragrance to outdoor spaces.

Care Guide

Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is easy to grow, needing only basic care to thrive.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in autumn or spring, though container-grown shrubs can be planted year-round if soil is workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot, leaving 1.5–2m of space for mature growth.

• Preparation: Enrich soil with compost or organic matter before planting.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year to help roots establish.

• Once mature, it is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from watering in very dry spells.

• Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support flowering and foliage growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune lightly after flowering in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or crowded stems.

• Avoid hard pruning, which can reduce the following year’s flowers.

• Mulch annually with compost or bark to conserve moisture and enrich the soil.

Protection

• Fully hardy, tolerating frost and winter weather.

• Shelter from very strong winds if possible, as exposed sites may damage flowers.

• Generally free from serious pests or diseases.

Why Choose Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’?

This shrub is a perfect choice for gardeners who want fragrance and colour through winter.

• Winter blooms: Flowers from November through March.

• Fragrance: Sweet scent carries through the garden on crisp days.

• Seasonal interest: Fresh green summer foliage and fiery autumn leaf colour.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, reliable, and easy to care for.

• Versatile: Works as a specimen, in borders, or near paths and entrances.

The Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is a classic winter-flowering shrub that brings beauty and fragrance to the garden when it’s needed most. Whether used as a specimen or integrated into mixed borders, it guarantees colour, scent, and charm from autumn through spring.

• Size
  3Ltr

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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