5 Fragrant Viburnums to Adopt in the Garden

Viburnum farreri (fragrans): to brighten the cold season

The Viburnum farreri (synonym fragrans) is one of the popular fragrant varieties. Its flowering occurs in autumn and continues throughout winter, in successive waves when the climate is not too harsh. It brightens up the garden from November to around March, when most other plants are in dormancy. This viburnum produces delightful small bouquets of tubular white-pink flowers, which are highly fragrant. They emit a sweet, vanilla-like scent with a slightly balsamic note, reminiscent of the flowers of heliotropes that are highly valued in perfumery.

The foliage is equally impressive. Initially bronze-copper in spring, it turns green during the summer. Before it falls, it takes on stunning red-purple autumn colours. The flowers thus appear on the still bare branches of our viburnum, which showcase them perfectly. Sometimes, the flowering gives way to small ornamental red berries.

The Viburnum farreri is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade in most of our regions. It tolerates montane climates, well-drained and calcareous soils, but always moist (not too dry).

Its bushy silhouette reaches 3 metres in height and 2.5 metres in spread at maturity. It is suitable for various uses: plant this variety in the background of a border, as a specimen, or in a flowering hedge that will bring life during the coldest months.

Viburnum farreri

Viburnum (x) burkwoodii ‘Mohawk’: one of the most fragrant in spring

The Viburnum (x) burkwoodii ‘Mohawk’ boasts numerous qualities. It benefits first and foremost from the characteristics typical of Burkwood viburnums, which are low-maintenance and highly fragrant. However, it is also appreciated for its beautiful round and dense silhouette, as well as its vibrant colours.

Between late March and early May, depending on the region, it reveals an abundance of small, shiny red buds. These then open into white to pink flowers with red undersides, creating true little balls of light reaching 10 cm in diameter. This colourful flowering also diffuses a powerful fragrance, combining notes of jasmine, vanilla, and orange blossom. Melliferous, the flowers attract pollinating insects and can develop into red fruits that turn black, highly sought after by birds.

The foliage is equally ornamental. Initially dark green, it takes on vibrant orange and red hues as autumn arrives. Semi-evergreen, this viburnum retains some of its foliage in winter depending on the climate.

Tolerant of various growing conditions, ‘Mohawk’ will adapt to almost any type of soil and will gradually form a beautiful bush of about 2 metres in all directions.

Viburnum (x) burkwoodii ‘Mohawk’

Viburnum carlesii ‘Aurora’: a compact variety for pot cultivation

The Viburnum carlesii ‘Aurora’ is a small variety of Korean viburnum that grows easily in pots. Its modest and compact shape reaches about 2 metres in height and 1.5 metres in width at ripeness.

Spring flowering occurs between April and May. Our bush then reveals a multitude of flowers gathered in round bouquets, reaching over 10 cm in diameter. In terms of colour, the red buds open into delicate white flowers with pale pink backs. This fragrant viburnum emits a floral scent combining notes of hyacinths and orange blossoms.

The young foliage accompanies this scented flowering. Initially bronze-green, it darkens over time, before turning yellow, and finally igniting in orange-red in autumn.

Place this viburnum on the terrace or balcony, near pathways to fully enjoy its exquisite fragrance. Easy to cultivate, it will thrive in standard soil and will develop without issues as long as its soil remains moist (not too dry). Tolerant of pollution, it is a perfect candidate for urban gardens.

Viburnum carlesii ‘Aurora’

Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’: a delicious fragrance that warms winter

The Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’ is a winter viburnum that reveals itself from December to February. With each thaw, outside of frost periods, it graces us with small white flowers speckled with light pink, creating a delightful colour palette. These flowers emerge on the naked branches of the bush, which display a contrasting reddish-brown. In terms of fragrance, ‘Dawn’ offers us sweet vanilla notes, reminiscent of the powerful scent of heliotropes.

However, the decorative foliage also makes our bush interesting during other seasons. The young bronze leaves at bud burst turn dark green, before shifting to red-purple in autumn and eventually disappearing.

Hardy and easy to care for, this variety requires little maintenance. It will reach a height of 2.5 metres and a spread of 2 metres at ripeness. To fully enjoy its fragrance, feel free to place this viburnum near high-traffic areas, close to doors, windows, or pathways.

Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’

Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Coppertop’: a colourful foliage to accompany its fragrant flowering

The fragrant viburnum Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Coppertop’ is an evergreen variety, which retains its foliage throughout the year. Particularly decorative, the evolving leaves are initially coppery red-orange in spring before turning green. They provide a stunning contrast with the flowering of delicate cream-white blooms, which occurs in late spring between May and June. Highly fragrant, the flowers release their scents into the surroundings and delight pollinating insects.

At maturity, the bush will reach approximately 3 metres in height and 2 metres in spread. It will integrate easily into a border or a free-standing hedge. However, it is in isolation or near pathways that you can best enjoy its fragrance and the beauty of its foliage.

Like its relatives, it proves to be low-maintenance, easy-going, and even tolerant of occasional drought once well established. The only downside is that this variety is less hardy than other viburnums. It will tolerate frosts down to about -9°C and will be sensitive to cold drafts.

Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Coppertop’ (©Plantip)