Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ – Fragrance and Colour Through Winter

The Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is one of the best-loved shrubs for winter interest, bringing both beauty and fragrance when gardens often feel bare. From November through to March, its bare branches are smothered with clusters of rosy-pink buds that open into pale pink, highly scented flowers. The perfume is strong and sweet, carrying on crisp winter air and filling the garden with cheer.

At 80–100cm tall when supplied, these young plants are well on their way to forming a strong shrub. Over time, ‘Dawn’ will develop into an upright, deciduous shrub with elegant arching stems, fresh green summer foliage, and brilliant red-purple autumn colour. With flowers in winter, leaves in summer, and fiery tones in autumn, this is a shrub that brings seasonal interest all year round.

General Information

Bred in the 1930s at Bodnant Garden in Wales, Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ has earned a place in gardens worldwide for its reliable performance and unforgettable scent.

• Habit: Upright, bushy deciduous shrub with arching stems.

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

• Foliage: Fresh green leaves in spring and summer; turn shades of red and purple in autumn.

• Flowers: Pink buds open to clusters of pale pink, fragrant blooms from November to March.

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet perfume that fills the garden.

• Position: Prefers full sun or partial shade; flowers best in sunnier positions.

• Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils if not waterlogged.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland, tolerating frost and cold winters.

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

With its long flowering season and strong fragrance, ‘Dawn’ is a true highlight of the winter garden.

Care Guide

Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is hardy and easy to grow, requiring only light maintenance to thrive.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in autumn or spring, though container-grown plants can be planted year-round.

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

• Preparation: Enrich planting soil with compost or well-rotted manure to encourage establishment.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish roots.

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

• Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser to support foliage and flower production.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune lightly after flowering (late spring) to shape the shrub and remove dead or congested stems.

• Avoid hard pruning, which may reduce the following year’s flower display.

• Mulch annually with bark, leaf mould, or compost to conserve moisture and nourish the soil.

Protection

• Fully hardy and withstands winter cold, often flowering through frost.

• Shelter from very exposed winds if possible, to protect delicate winter blooms.

• Generally free from serious pests and diseases, making it a reliable performer.

Why Choose Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’?

This award-winning shrub is a must-have for anyone wanting fragrance and beauty in the darkest months of the year.

• Winter blooms: Rosy-pink buds and pale pink flowers from November to March.

• Fragrance: Strong, sweet scent that perfumes the garden.

• Seasonal colour: Green summer foliage and fiery autumn tones.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, adaptable, and reliable.

• Versatile use: Works as a specimen, border shrub, or near paths and doorways.

The Viburnum × bodnantense ‘Dawn’ (80–100cm) is a young plant with plenty of potential, ready to establish into a spectacular, fragrant shrub that will bring joy for decades. Whether planted as a garden focal point or as part of a mixed border, it will provide beauty and perfume just when you need it most.

• Size
  Rootball + Pot

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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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
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