Viburnum x bodnantense
Family: Adoxaceae
What it is like
Viburnum x bodnantense is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from January to March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid of garden origin, V. farreri x V. grandiflorum.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. A sweet flavour, though not borne very freely. The fruit is fairly large, it can be up to 20mm in diameter and contains a single large seed.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but is ill-adapted for poor soils and for dry situations. It prefers a deep rich loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in light woodland. Requires shelter from north and east winds. The deliciously scented flowers are produced in winter but can withstand temperatures down to between -12 and -20°c if the plant is in a sheltered position with no early morning sun. The plant itself is hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. This species is a hybrid of garden origin, V. farreri x V. grandiflorum. It is more vigorous than either species and also has larger flowers. Since it is a hybrid, it might not set seed or even produce fruit. It is, however, worth experimenting with growing this species close to either of its parents to see if this improves the ability to set fruit in Britain. Self incompatible, there must be at least 2 genetically distinct plants growing if fruit is wanted. Even then, fruit is rarely seen in Britain. Hand pollination may improve the fruit yield as might siting the plants so that they get the maximum protection from severe winter weather.
Propagating it: Seed - this species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed, if seedlings are required then the seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking more than 18 months. If the seed is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it has fully ripened) and sown immediately in a cold frame, it should germinate in the spring. Stored seed will require 2 months warm then 3 months cold stratification and can still take 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame or greenhouse. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of soft-wood, early summer in a frame. Pot up into individual pots once they start to root and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm long with a heel if possible, July/August in a frame. Plant them into individual pots as soon as they start to root. These cuttings can be difficult to overwinter, it is best to keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame until the following spring before planting them out. Cuttings of mature wood, winter in a frame. They should root in early spring - pot them up when large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if sufficient new growth is made, otherwise keep them in a cold frame for the next winter and then plant them out in the spring. Layering of current seasons growth in July/August. Takes 15 months.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist