Viburnum x bodnantense

A classic midwinter favourite, Viburnum x bodnantense flowers from now until February, with plentiful clusters of highly fragrant pink or off-white flowers that stand out well against its bare stems. The popular variety ‘Dawn’ has pale pink flowers.

They are potentially large shrubs, growing up to 8ft in any direction, but they take time to reach that size and can be kept smaller by pruning. Grow one in a place you will walk past often in winter, such as the front garden or the path to the shed.

It looks best against an evergreen background and if you are thinking of buying one now, keep it in its pot and stand it by the front door or even in the conservatory to make the most of it before planting it out. It enjoys rich, fertile soil that’s not boggy, in an area of sun or light-dappled shade.