What soil does Bodnant viburnum grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Bodnant viburnum hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Bodnant viburnum toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Bodnant viburnum be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Bodnant viburnum flower?

Flowering: November–April, pink, white.

How much water does Bodnant viburnum need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Bodnant viburnum

Viburnum × bodnantense

Bodnant viburnum (Viburnum × bodnantense) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €4.90.

Illustration of Bodnant viburnum — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An upright deciduous shrub 2 to 3 m tall that carries strongly scented pink flowers on bare branches from late autumn to early spring, when little else is in bloom. Plant it in sun or part shade in a sheltered spot near a path or door, where you can enjoy the scent in winter. It wants moist but well-drained soil, dislikes both dry and waterlogged ground, and hard frost browns the open flowers.

Watch out for

Hard frost browns the open flowers and buds, especially when sun hits them straight after a frosty night. The shrub itself is not harmed and new buds open in milder spells, but in Central Europe this means most of the bloom falls in mild winter periods and in February and March. Aphids can occur. Viburnum leaf beetle damages it far less than it does guelder rose, but it may appear. Root rot can develop in permanently wet soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D November–April, pink, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	2–3 m × 1.2–2 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	November–April, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €4.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Shrubs for pollinators Low-maintenance shrubs Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour

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