Viburnum x bodnantense 'DAWN'

Bodnant viburnum is one of the few winter flowering plants. Its flowers may appear as early as in December (in mild winters). It is a garden hybrid between v.farreri and v.grandiflorum made by Charles Lamont from Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. For some reason he did not wait until the plants showed their assets and chucked them. An unknown grower from Bodnant Gardens in Wales took them over and observed their growth. Four named varieties rose from this crossing (Aberconway, Charles Lamont, Dawn, and Deben), out of which Dawn was possibly the most successful commercially, and one was named in honour of the breeder.

Dawn is a Bodnant viburnum variety with deep pink flowers when young, maturing to light pink, borne in terminal and axillary clusters on bare wood. Their most attractive feature is heavy, but nice, sweet perfume which is strongest on warm and sunny days. It brings the feeling of forthcoming spring.

Viburnum is a deciduous shrub with open habit. The leaves are slightly furrowed and have serrated margins. They emerge bronze-coloured, maturing to deep green, and turning burgundy red in autumn. The shrub grows fast.

Deciduous viburnums like sunny or partially shaded location, medium fertile, moist but well-drained soil, no special pH required. Pruning not necessary. If for any reason you want to prune it, do so in spring after flowering. Fully hardy to -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 29-12-2008; 25-03-2019