While many gardeners focus on the vibrant displays of summer, the quieter beauty of winter plants often goes unnoticed. Winter-flowering shrubs, however, not only add much-needed interest to your garden during the colder months but also bring enchanting fragrances that captivate the senses. As fewer pollinators are active in winter, these shrubs use their delightful scents to attract attention, making them an essential part of the season’s garden appeal. Though small, their blooms often boast powerful fragrances that enhance your winter landscape. The Fragrant Winter Shrub Duo includes two of the most aromatic shrubs for winter interest, both of which also contribute to your garden’s beauty throughout the year. These plants act as strong backbone shrubs, providing structure and appeal in every season. This duo contains the following varieties: Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' Even in the depths of winter, this hardy deciduous shrub flourishes, producing an abundance of fragrant blooms along bare stems. The dark pink flowers slowly transition to white, eventually giving way to small purple berries in summer. In autumn, the green foliage of Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' turns brilliant shades of orange and yellow, providing a final display before winter returns. Awarded the RHS AGM, this variety has an exceptionally long season of interest, making it ideal for prominent borders and wildlife gardens. Height: 3m (10’) Spread: 2m (8’) Sarcococca confusa (Christmas Box) A low-maintenance shrub, Sarcococca confusa is perfect for those seeking easy care with year-round appeal. Its inconspicuous flowers are hidden beneath leathery foliage but emit a powerful, honey-like fragrance that can be detected from afar. These flowers are followed by black berries, which remain on the plant for a long time. With evergreen foliage, this shrub adds colour, structure, and interest to the garden all year round. Height: 2m (6.6’) Spread: 1m (39’) As plant size can vary with the seasons, we list by pot size rather than a defined plant size. The size and spread of the plant you receive may differ from the images shown depending on the season. Two easy-to-grow, low-maintenance, winter-blooming shrubs whose flowers feature knock-out fragrance.
On delivery of your Fragrant Winter Shrub Collection, pot up each individual plant into a larger container and keep sheltered from harsh weather either in an unheated greenhouse or conservatory. Come spring they can be planted outside into their final positions.
Viburnum x bodantense 'Dawn' : Grow Viburnum plants in a sunny or semi shaded position, in any moderately fertile, well drained soil. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the soil. Plant Viburnum shrubs at the same depth as they were planted in their pots. Backfill the planting hole and water well to settle the soil. Water regularly throughout the growing season until young plants are fully established. In spring, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost to the base of the plant. Viburnum requires little pruning. After flowering cut back stems to a healthy bud and reduce any stems that spoil the symmetry of the plant. Caution: Viburnum fruits are harmful if eaten.
Sarcococca confusa: Grow sarcococca in any moist, well drained garden soil in a sheltered position, in semi-shade or shade. Christmas box will tolerate full sun provided that the soil remains moist. Alternatively grow sarcococca plants in patio containers using soil based compost such as John Innes No.3. Feed and water regularly until young shrubs become established. Once established, Sarcococca will require little attention and often thrives on neglect. Pruning is not required other than to shape the plant if required, and to remove and unwanted suckers from the base of the plant.
