Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’
Bodnant viburnum

© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Great Plant Picks
Outstanding Qualities
Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is most noted for its floral displays during winter and early spring. Pink buds open to pale pink, highly fragrant flowers as early as December and often well into February. Cut branches in winter will force easily and it is lovely in winter bouquets. Plant it in mixed borders or informal screen plantings as it does grow fairly large. Cinnamon colored bark and yellow fall color add to the shrub’s interest.
Quick Facts
Plant Type: vase-shaped shrub
Foliage Type: deciduous
Plant Height:Heights represent a 10-year-old woody plant or a 5-year-old perennial or bulb 8 ft. (2.4 meters)
Plant Width/Spread: 10 ft. (3.0 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 9
Flower Color: pink
Sun/Light Exposure: full sun
Water Requirements: regular watering to drought tolerant
Seasonal Interest: autumn color
Colors & Combos
Great Plant Combinations: Plant it with shrubby companions Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’, Elaeagnus pungens ‘Maculata‘, Fatsia japonica and Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis; and perennials groundcovers like Hellebores, Pulmonarias ‘Benediction’ and longifolia ssp. Cevennensis and cyclamen.
Great Color Contrasts: silver, gold, burgundy
Great Color Partners: dark green, chartreuse, blue
- Culture Notes
- This tough shrub grows best in full sun to light or open shade. It prefers well-drained soil, but will tolerate sandy sites or clay if the drainage is adequate. It is drought tolerant once established, but flowering will be more profuse if it receives occasional water during dry weather. Little pruning is needed to maintain an attractive plant.