Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn', Dawn viburnum
1 / 11
Deciduous Shrubs

Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn'

Dawn viburnum

Adoxaceae

Garden hybrid (Bodnant Garden, Wales, 1935)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-10 feet (2.4-3 m)
Width5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' is a deciduous shrub reaching 8-10 feet (2.4-3 m) tall with a spread of 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m), developing an upright, somewhat stiff, vase-shaped form. A hybrid of V. farreri × V. grandiflorum, raised at Bodnant Garden, Wales, in 1935. The primary ornamental feature is the winter bloom: clusters of intensely fragrant, deep rose-pink buds open to pale pink flowers, borne on bare branches from November through March in the Pacific Northwest — one of the longest bloom periods of any deciduous shrub. Individual flower clusters are small, 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across, but are produced in waves throughout winter, particularly during mild spells. Fragrance is sweet and spicy, carrying well on still winter air. Leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to oblong, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, dark green, strongly veined, with a rough texture. Fall color is dull burgundy-purple to bronze, variable. Bark and young stems are conspicuously warty. Growth rate is moderate at 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) per year. Flowers are frost-tolerant and recover from light freezes. The stiff, upright habit can appear somewhat rigid; site where the winter bloom, not the summer form, is the focus. A Great Plant Picks recommendation.

Native Range

Garden hybrid origin (Viburnum farreri × Viburnum grandiflorum), raised at Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales, in 1935. Parent species are native to northern China and the Himalayas respectively.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a winter-interest specimen near entries, paths, and windows where the fragrant winter flowers can be enjoyed during the darkest months, spaced 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) apart. The upright habit fits well against walls and fences. Combines with winter-blooming Hamamelis (witch hazel), Chimonanthus (wintersweet), and Sarcococca for an extended winter fragrance garden. The stiff summer form is less attractive; site where winter interest is the primary goal. A Great Plant Picks recommendation.

How to Identify

Identified by upright, stiff vase-shaped habit, warty bark and stems, clusters of fragrant pink flowers on bare branches in winter (November-March), and strongly veined oval leaves. Distinguished from V. farreri by larger, deeper pink flowers and taller, stiffer habit. Distinguished from V. x burkwoodii by winter (not spring) bloom time and deciduous (not semi-evergreen) foliage. The winter bloom on bare branches is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 10'
Width/Spread5' - 7'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Winter
Deep rose-pink buds open to pale pink flowers in clusters on bare branches from November through March, with peak bloom in December to February. Fragrance is sweet and spicy, carrying well on still winter days. Flowers are produced in waves, particularly during mild spells. Individual flowers tolerate light frost, though hard freezes can damage open blooms. In the Pacific Northwest maritime climate, this is one of the most reliable winter-flowering shrubs.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep rose-pink buds opening pale pink

Foliage Description

Dark green, strongly veined

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun to part shade; flowers best in more sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Site in a sheltered location to protect winter flowers from hard freezes and wind. Place near paths, entries, or windows where the winter fragrance can be appreciated during the dark months. Essentially pest- and disease-free.

Pruning

Prune immediately after the last winter flowers fade in March to April. Remove one-third of the oldest stems at the base annually to maintain vigor and prevent the plant from becoming overly tall and bare at the base. Shorten remaining stems as needed to control height. Do not prune in summer or fall — this removes developing flower buds for the coming winter.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic