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viburnum fragrans

Looking for a winter-flowering shrub that adds fragrance and soft colour to your New Zealand garden? Viburnum fragrans, also known as Viburnum farreri, is best known for its clusters of blush-pink to white blooms that fill late winter and early spring with a sweet, heady scent. This deciduous shrub not only delivers stunning flowers when most other plants are dormant but is also prized for its resilience, easy care, and compact growth habit. Whether you’re revitalising a city backyard or creating a welcoming border, Viburnum fragrans deserves a place on your shortlist.

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Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum)

Viburnum burkwoodii is an evergreen shrub that features lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of fragrant, white-pink flowers during spring. The glossy, green foliage provides a great backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 2.5 m tall and the same wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn'

5 from 1 customers

Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' is a beautiful deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant soft pink flowers that appear from late autumn through winter. This reliable variety performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens, bringing colour and scent when few other plants are in bloom.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Viburnum 'Emerald Beauty'

Viburnum Emerald Beauty is a popular variety due to its impressive foliage and showy flowers. Purple-pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters...

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Viburnum opulus Sterile

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' (Snowball Bush) is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded clusters of pure white flowers that resemble...

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Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' plant with pink flower buds above lush, dark green foliage.
Viburnum Eve Price

Viburnum 'Eve Price' is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its flowers, foliage, and tidy form. It features dark green foliage, pink buds in...

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viburnum-dense-fence-4
Viburnum Dense Fence

Viburnum Dense Fence is an evergreen shrub that features glossy foliage that emerges red and ages to become dark green. Left untrimmed it will grow...

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viburnum-tinus-variegatum--1
Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus variegatum is an evergreen shrub that features variegated foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of...

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viburnum-davidii-female--2
Viburnum davidii (female)

This female variety of Viburnum is a popular evergreen shrub due to its lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy...

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viburnum-davidii-male-3
Viburnum davidii (male)

This male variety of Viburnum is a popular evergreen shrub due to its lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy...

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viburnum-carlesii-
Viburnum carlesii

Viburnum carlesii, commonly known as the Korean Spice Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub grown for its lovely foliage and showy, fragrant flowers. Pink...

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viburnum-eskimo-4
Viburnum Eskimo

Viburnum Eskimo features impressive foliage and showy flowers. The cream-white flowers appear like giant snow balls and literally coat the plant...

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Viburnum odoratissimum (Sweet Viburnum)

Viburnum odoratissimum, commonly known as Sweet Viburnum, features impressive foliage and showy flowers. White buds open to reveal showy clusters of...

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Viburnum opulus Notcutt's Varieity (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Notcutts Variety' is a deciduous shrub valued for its large, fragrant white flower clusters in spring and vibrant red berries in...

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Viburnum 'Emerald Lustre'

Viburnum Emerald Lustre features pink flower buds that open to reveal clusters of mildly fragrant, white-light pink flowers during winter and early...

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Viburnum tinus 'Gwenllian' flower head with red buds and white florets.
Viburnum tinus Gwenllian

Viburnum tinus 'Gwenllian' features impressive foliage and showy flowers. Red flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of mildly fragrant, white...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-japonicum-1
Viburnum japonicum

Viburnum japonicum features impressive foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of mildly fragrant, white flowers...

OUT OF STOCK
A lovely Viburnum tinus shrub with green foliage, red flower buds, and white flowers in a pot.
Viburnum tinus

Viburnum tinus, commonly known as Laurustinus, is a dense, evergreen shrub ideal for hedging, screening, or mixed borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-plicatum-newport-1
Viburnum plicatum 'Newport' (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum 'Newport' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant layered branching habit and masses of white spring flowers. This...

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Viburnum opulus white flowers on a stem.
Viburnum opulus (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus is a hardy deciduous shrub admired for its attractive clusters of white spring flowers, vibrant red berries, and brilliant autumn...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum plicatum grandiflorum

Viburnum plicatum Grandiflorum is a variety of the commonly, Japanese Snowball Plant, and is a deciduous shrub grown for its foliage and flowers...

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viburnum-bewleys-variegated-1
Viburnum Bewleys Variegated

Viburnum Bewleys Variegated is an evergreen shrub that features variegated foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-setigerum-
Viburnum setigerum

Viburnum setigerum, commonly known as Tea Viburnum, is an evergreen shrub grown for its berries, foliage, and flowers. Showy clusters of small, white...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum plicatum Roseum

“Roseum” is a deciduous variety of Viburnum and is grown for its foliage and stunning flowers. Showy clusters of pompom-like flowers are borne during...

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Viburnum plicatum Summer Snowflake

Viburnum “Summer Snowflake” is a popular variety that features impressive form, foliage and flowers. Light pink flower buds open to reveal showy...

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Viburnum opulus roseum (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum', commonly known as the Snowball Tree, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its striking, globe-like clusters of pure white...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum splendens

“Splendens” is a vigorous shrub grown for its dazzling display of flowers. This vigorous plant grows densely with branches holding long, dark green...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum plicatum

Viburnum plicatum, commonly known as the Japanese Snowball Plant, is a deciduous shrub that features showy clusters of white, pompom-like flowers...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum davidii

Viburnum davidii is a popular evergreen shrub that features lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of white...

OUT OF STOCK
Viburnum mariesii growing in a garden show white flowers and green foliage.
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant tiered branching habit and masses of white lacecap flowers that...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-hedge-master--10
Viburnum Hedge Master

Viburnum Hedge Master is an evergreen shrub grown for its lush and colourful foliage. The glossy foliage emerges red and ages to become dark green...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum 'Anvi'

Viburnum 'Anvi' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense glossy foliage and attractive clusters of seasonal flowers that provide year round...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum plicatum Tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum "Tomentosum" is a variety of the commonly known, Japanese Snowball Bush, and is a deciduous shrub grown for its layered foliage and...

OUT OF STOCK
Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Viburnum, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search viburnum fragrans

What is Viburnum fragrans?

Viburnum fragrans is a hardy, medium-sized shrub originating from northern China. Mature plants typically reach around 2–3 metres tall and wide, making them a perfect choice for garden beds, hedges, or as a feature shrub. In late winter, bare branches erupt with sweetly fragrant, tubular pink flowers which fade to white. As the flowers finish, fresh green foliage emerges, providing a lush backdrop through to autumn.

Growing Viburnum fragrans in New Zealand

Viburnum fragrans adapts well to New Zealand’s diverse conditions. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade for best flowering. These sturdy shrubs prefer well-drained soils and will benefit from an annual mulch to conserve moisture. Once established, Viburnum fragrans tolerates light frosts, making it suitable for most regions.

Water regularly during dry periods in the first couple of years to encourage healthy root growth. Prune after flowering to shape the shrub and remove spent wood. Overall, Viburnum fragrans is low maintenance and seldom troubled by pests or diseases.

Landscape Uses and Companion Plants

Viburnum fragrans is perfect for sensory gardens, front entrances, or areas where its perfume can be truly appreciated. Plant it near a window or pathway to make the most of its winter scent. Its upright habit makes it an excellent standalone specimen, but it also performs beautifully in mixed shrub borders.

For those looking to expand their viburnum collection, several other varieties can complement Viburnum fragrans in both flower and form. Consider Viburnum carlesii, which shares a similar spicy scent and showy blossoms. For a compact and rounded habit, Viburnum Eskimo makes a striking partner, while Viburnum odoratissimum (Sweet Viburnum) excels in hedging roles. Those after a more dramatic spring display can add Viburnum opulus Notcutt's Varieity (Snowball Bush), famous for its large globe-shaped blooms. For glossy evergreen interest, Viburnum 'Emerald Lustre' is a superb choice.

Why Choose Viburnum fragrans?

Viburnum fragrans brings early colour, unbeatable fragrance, and structure to winter gardens. Its versatility, hardiness, and minimal maintenance requirements make it an ideal shrub for New Zealand gardeners who want year-round appeal and a touch of winter magic. Plant one today and enjoy the uplifting scent and beauty for many seasons to come.


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