Viburnum x bodnantense
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −17.8 °C
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils but is ill-adapted for poor soils and for dry situations. 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. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. 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[K]. 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.
Propagation
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. 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. 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.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. A sweet flavour, though not borne very freely[K]. The fruit is fairly large, it can be up to 20mm in diameter and contains a single large seed[K].
Habitat
Not known in the wild.
Native range
A hybrid of garden origin, V. farreri x V. grandiflorum.