Bodnant Viburnum Viburnum × bodnantense 'Dawn'

Water

For the Viburnum 'Dawn', it is essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule to ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water deeply once a week with approximately 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Reduce watering in the fall and further in winter to match the plant's lower water requirements during dormancy, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.

Light

The Viburnum 'Dawn' thrives best in an area where it can receive full sun to partial shade. The ideal lighting condition is to provide it with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily; however, it will also tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can protect it from the intense heat.

Temperature

Ideally, the Viburnum 'Dawn' prefers a temperature range between 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. It can withstand winter temperatures down to 20°F, but should be protected from frost. In the summer, it can tolerate up to 85°F, but it is best to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.

Pruning

Pruning the Viburnum 'Dawn' is important to maintain its shape, remove any dead or damaged branches, and promote vigorous growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, just before the onset of new growth. This plant flowers on old wood, so be sure to prune immediately after flowering if shaping is necessary to avoid cutting off next year's blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Bodnant Viburnum thrives in well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter, preferring a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost or peat moss, and one part perlite or sand will create an ideal environment for this plant.

Repotting

Bodnant Viburnum, being a large shrub, is not typically repotted as it is usually planted directly into the ground. As a garden plant, it does not require repotting; instead, refresh the mulch annually and replenish soil nutrients with compost as needed.

Humidity & Misting

Bodnant Viburnum is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions; it tolerates the average outdoor humidity levels found in its growing zones. It performs well without the need for additional humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal for indoor; best grown outdoors due to size.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun or partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Viburnum × bodnantense 'Dawn', commonly known as Bodnant Viburnum, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring after a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. The seedling then grows into a juvenile shrub, establishing a strong root system and beginning to form its woody structure. As it matures, the shrub enters a vegetative stage, where it develops the characteristic dense, upright habit, and broad green leaves. In the reproductive stage, usually from late winter to early spring, 'Dawn' produces fragrant pink to white flowers before the leaves fully emerge, offering winter interest. Following pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small, dark, oblong fruits that mature by late summer to fall. Throughout its life, Bodnant Viburnum may undergo periods of pruning and maintenance to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Summer-early autumn

• The most popular method of propagating Viburnum × bodnantense 'Dawn', commonly known as Bodnant Viburnum, is by softwood cuttings. This technique is typically carried out in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible but starting to mature. Shoots that are about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long are selected and cut just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. The pot is kept moist and in a shaded spot until roots have formed, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be potted on or eventually planted out in the garden.