Winter often takes a backseat when it comes to garden displays, with many focusing on the vibrant colours of summer. However, winter-flowering shrubs offer a subtle yet captivating allure, providing much-needed interest during the colder months. Not only do these shrubs add beauty to winter landscapes, but many also fill the air with enchanting fragrances—an often overlooked sensory pleasure. With fewer pollinators active during this time, plants rely on their perfume to attract attention, and their small yet aromatic blooms make a big impact. Our Fragrant Winter Shrub Duo showcases two of the most beautifully scented winter shrubs that offer both seasonal charm and year-round value, serving as essential backbone plants in your garden. This duo includes: Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' During the coldest winter months, this hardy deciduous shrub comes alive with clusters of richly perfumed flowers that bloom on bare, woody stems. The dark pink flowers gradually fade to white, followed by the development of purple berries in summer. By autumn, the foliage turns vibrant shades of orange and yellow, providing a striking display before winter returns. This RHS AGM award-winning variety offers a long period of interest and is perfect for borders and wildlife gardens. Height: 3m (10’) Spread: 2m (8’) Sarcococca confusa Known for its ease of growth, Sarcococca confusa, or Christmas Box, may have modest flowers tucked beneath leathery foliage, but their powerful honey-like fragrance is unmistakable and can be enjoyed from a distance. Following the flowers, black berries remain on the plant for an extended period. This versatile, low-maintenance shrub is evergreen, offering structure, colour, and interest throughout the year. Height: 2m (6.6’) Spread: 1m (39’) Please note that plant height and spread can vary depending on the season. We list by pot size rather than defined plant size, so the size of the plants when delivered may differ from the images shown.
Growing Information
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.
