Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
'Dawn'
arrowwood
Viburnum 'Dawn' is the very essence of winter charm—upright, confident, and utterly determined to flower when little else dares. This vigorous arrowwood shrub grows to around 2–3m tall, clothing itself in dark green, toothed leaves through summer before shedding them to reveal bare branches adorned with clusters of richly fragrant blooms. From late autumn right through to spring, Viburnum 'Dawn' produces dark pink buds that open to creamy-white flowers beautifully flushed with rose, perfuming the garden with a sweet, spicy scent that lifts even the dullest day.
As the seasons roll on, Viburnum × bodnantense 'Dawn' proves itself more than just a winter wonder. Once flowering finishes, fresh foliage emerges—ovate, glossy and full of vigour—before turning to warm red and purple tones in autumn. With the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, this arrowwood is a superb choice for adding structure, fragrance and seasonal drama to mixed borders or woodland edges. Easy to grow, highly rewarding and almost impossible not to adore, Viburnum 'Dawn' brings a touch of warmth to the coldest corners of the year.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Viburnum × bodnantense 'Dawn'
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Established height
- 1.5-2.5m
- Established spread
- 1-1.5m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Red, bronze
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 6 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.