The pink to white flowers of Bodnant viburnum in winter is a very welcome sight especially after a series of gray cold days. In mild climates the flowers may begin opening in fall but their winter appearance going into early spring is more common. As pretty as the flowers are, beauty is not their only virtue; they are fragrant so the plants should be placed along a path or near an entry way where you can enjoy their scent. And of course stems can be cut for a wonderful winter bouquet. The attractive shrubs have medium textured green leaves in summer and can provide support for flowering vines such as clematis; in autumn the foliage turns orange, red, and burgundy giving color to the fall garden. ‘Dawn’ does well as a specimen plant, part of a mixed border, or a hedge, and is a good subject for topiary, bonsai, and espalier.
Type: Deciduous shrub.
Outstanding Feature: Winter-blooming pink flowers; autumn coloration.
Form: Upright.
Growth Rate: Rapid to moderate.
Bloom: Small, tubular rose-pink flowers fading to white in late winter to spring (late fall to early winter in warmer climates).
Size: 6-8’ H x 6-8’ W.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Thrive in rich, loamy, moist, well drained soil.
Hardiness: Zones 6-9.
Care: After flowering, cut out 1/5 of the branches choosing the oldest and/or weakest. The shrub may be lanky when young and hard pruning will make it more compact.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance.
Propagation: Cuttings in summer; layering branches in fall.
Karen Meyers