Viburnum bodnantense
Viburnum bodnantense · Viburnaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around viburnum bodnantense and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, bronze in autumn
- Flowering
- November to January, very fragrant pale pink flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 2.5 m in height, bushy habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Excellent, down to -15°C
- Origin
- British horticultural hybrid
- Soil type
- Fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Viburnum bodnantense flowers out of season (November-December to January): its small white-pink flowers are highly fragrant and make a wonderful winter gift.
The common mistake
Overwatering it or pruning too heavily; radical pruning will make it infertile the following year.
The pro's trick
Plant it near a window or a frequently used pathway: you'll enjoy the winter fragrance, a real luxury.
Care
Watering
Water regularly when planting and during the first summer, then moderately depending on rainfall. A mulch keeps the soil moist. Avoid excess water which promotes root rot.
Exposure
Place the viburnum in full sun to optimize flowering and fragrance. It tolerates light partial shade, particularly in very hot regions.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering (February-March) to balance the shape. Remove dead wood and poorly oriented branches. Avoid drastic pruning which would reduce the following year's flowers.
Fertilizer
An application of well-decomposed compost in spring is generally sufficient. In poor soil, apply a balanced fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
Soil preparation
Prepare the soil with compost or potting soil before planting. Viburnum prefers rich, well-drained soil. A 5 to 7 cm mulch protects the roots and maintains moisture.
Diseases and pests
Generally hardy, it can be affected by powdery mildew in overly humid conditions. Aphids can occasionally colonize young shoots. Good air circulation and watering at the base limit these problems.
Did you know?
Bodnant viburnum is a hybrid created in the early twentieth century at Bodnant Garden in Wales, from which it takes its name. It is one of the rare viburnums to flower generously in the depths of winter, offering clusters of deliciously fragrant flowers from November that perfume the garden in the cold season, making it an essential choice for winter gardens in temperate zones.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.