£7.94 – £8.64Price range: £7.94 through £8.64
Viburnum farreri, or Farrer’s Viburnum, is a fragrant deciduous shrub bringing winter cheer to UK gardens. It offers sweet-scented white flowers on bare stems from autumn to spring, plus attractive autumn foliage and berries for birds.
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Discover Viburnum farreri, a treasured deciduous shrub which brings delightful fragrance and early bloom to your UK garden during the colder months.
Viburnum farreri offers a vital splash of winter interest. This resilient shrub showcases clusters of sweet-scented flowers on bare stems. It stands as a beacon of hope when other plants sleep. Gardeners often value it for its hardiness and reliable floral display. It truly transforms a quiet winter landscape. You will appreciate its charm and beauty.
Viburnum farreri, also known as Farrer’s Viburnum or Fragrant Viburnum, is a superb addition to any British garden. Its botanical name honours Reginald Farrer, a renowned English plant hunter. He first collected this species in China during the early 20th century. This elegant shrub brings beauty and scent when other plants remain dormant.
The plant’s flowers appear in clusters from late autumn through winter and into early spring. These small, tubular blooms range from white to pale pink. They release a powerful, spicy-sweet perfume. This fragrance carries well on a still winter’s day. It creates a truly memorable garden experience. Furthermore, its leaves emerge dark green in spring. They offer a lush backdrop through summer. Later, they transform into beautiful shades of reddish-purple before falling. This autumn display extends seasonal interest.
You can use Viburnum farreri in many ways. Plant it near paths or entryways to fully enjoy its winter scent. It works well in mixed borders, offering structure and a point of focus. Many gardeners also use it as a standalone specimen plant. It creates a strong visual impact. The shrub naturally forms an upright, multi-stemmed shape. Therefore, it requires little pruning. You can remove any dead or crossing branches after flowering. This maintains its healthy habit.
The plant provides great benefits for local wildlife. Its early flowers offer a crucial food source for winter-active bees. Later in the season, its small red berries mature to black. These then become a valuable snack for various bird species. Viburnum farreri is a wonderful choice for sustainable gardens. It supports our native fauna through the leanest months. Consequently, it creates a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.
Very hardy. Tolerates temperatures typical of a continental winter.
Viburnum farreri is generally low-maintenance. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in its first year. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape, remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and to improve air circulation. Old, overgrown plants can tolerate harder renovation pruning over a couple of years. Protect newly planted shrubs from severe winter winds.
This plant is deciduous so it will lose all of its leaves in the autumn and get fresh new foliage each spring.


