Viburnum Bodnantense Dawn

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Average
• Flowering Period: November-March
• Hardiness: H6
• Eventual Height: 1-3m
• Eventual Spread: 1-2m

Viburnum Bodnantense Dawn, commonly known as ‘Arrowwood Dawn’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit is a hardy, bushy, deciduous shrub. It is a hybrid of two species of Viburnum and was first cultivated at the Bodnant Garden in North Wales.

This shrub is known for its fragrant and showy flowers, which bloom in the Winter months, making it a popular choice for adding interest and colour to the garden during the colder months. The flowers appear on bare stems before the leaves emerge and are deep rose pink to a light pink in colour. They have a sweet, spicy fragrance that is particularly noticeable on mild Winter days.

This Viburnum can grow up to 3 metres tall and 2 metres wide, forming an upright, spreading habit. The leaves are oval-shaped and dark green, turning a reddish-purple colour in the Autumn. The bark is greyish-brown and slightly rough, adding to the plant’s winter interest.

This shrub is hardy and easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun. Regular watering is important, especially during periods of drought, to keep the soil evenly moist.

This shrub is a popular choice for mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or as a hedge. Its fragrant Winter flowers make it an excellent choice for adding colour and interest to the Winter garden.  This is also an attractive choice for wildlife gardens, as its flowers are a food source for bees and other pollinators.

In summary, this is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, Winter-blooming flowers. It is easy to care for and prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.

How to care for your Viburnum Bodnantense Dawn

• Soil and Watering: This shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Sunlight: Prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun. In areas with hot summers, it is best to plant this shrub in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from intense sunlight.
• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning, but you may want to remove any dead or damaged branches in early spring. This will help promote healthy growth and maintain the shrub’s shape.
• Fertiliser: Fertilisation is not necessary, but you can apply a slow-release fertiliser in early Spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the shrub in early Spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Propagation: Can be propagated by taking softwood cuttings in early Summer or hardwood cuttings in late Autumn. Plant the cuttings in well-drained soil and keep them evenly moist until they establish roots.

Overall, Viburnum Bodnantense Dawn is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. With proper watering, fertilisation, and occasional pruning, this shrub will provide years of beautiful Winter blooms and attractive foliage.