Bodnant Viburnum

Viburnum × bodnantense

Adoxaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced

Last updated April 22, 2026

Data Maturity Structured

This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.

One of the most valuable winter-flowering shrubs for the Puget Sound region. The mild maritime climate allows nearly continuous bloom from November through March. Extremely fragrant flowers carry well in still winter air. 'Dawn' is the standard cultivar in local nurseries. UW Botanic Gardens features a notable specimen. The cinnamon bark adds winter structure when not in flower. Tolerates the wet winters well if drainage is adequate; clay sites need amendment.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist

Bodnant viburnum is a deciduous broadleaf shrub that blooms on previous season's growth with fragrant pink flowers appearing in winter to early spring. It reaches 8-10 ft tall with an upright, multi-stemmed habit. Over 11 diseases and 5 pests are documented.

This hybrid viburnum prefers full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. It is notable for old-wood flowering, so timing of pruning after bloom is critical. Hardy to zones 6-8, it provides exceptional winter fragrance and color.

Quick Facts

Height

8-10 ft

Spread

6-8 ft

Growth Rate

Medium

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Well Drained

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 5b–8b

Origin

Garden hybrid. Cross between V. farreri and V. grandiflorum performed at Bodnant Garden

Phenological Calendar

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
First flowers (autumn flush) BBCH 61	Nov-Dec	Deep rose-pink buds opening to fragrant pale pink flowers on bare or semi-bare stems during first mild spell after leaf drop
Peak winter bloom BBCH 65	Jan-Feb	Heaviest flower production during mild winter spells; extremely fragrant; flowers may be damaged by hard frost but replaced by new buds in next mild spell
Late bloom / bloom end BBCH 69	Mar-Apr	Final flower clusters as new leaves begin emerging; fragrance still strong
Leaf emergence BBCH 10-11	Mar-Apr	Bronze-tinted young leaves emerging; ovate to elliptic, toothed margin
Full leaf BBCH 19	May-Sep	Dark green foliage fully expanded; upright multi-stemmed habit clearly visible
Leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct-Nov	Leaves dropping; not notably ornamental fall color. Cinnamon bark and upright stems become the feature

Diseases (9)

Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae Bacterial Blight Pseudomonas syringae pv. viburni or Xanthomonas spp. Bacterial blight (Leaf spot) Symptom category — not a single disease Leaf Spot Multiple obligate biotrophic fungi (Erysiphales: Erysipha... Powdery Mildew Ramorum Blight (Sudden Oak Death) Symptom category — not a single disease Root Rot Phytophthora cactorum"heeled in\" (placed in sawdust pile... Shoot Blight Botrytis cinerea Botrytis Shoot Blight Botryosphaeria corticis Stem Canker

Pests (3)

Aphis fabae Bean aphid Otiorhynchus spp. Root weevil Pyrrhalta viburni Viburnum leaf beetle

Cultivars (3)

''Dawn''

The most common and widely available selection. Vigorous, upright. Rose-pink flowers with purple-pink anthers. RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Developed at Bodnant Garden 1934-35. The standard cultivar in the PNW nursery trade.

''Deben''

White flowers opening from pink buds; slightly more spreading habit than 'Dawn'

''Charles Lamont''

Larger, more intensely pink flowers than 'Dawn'