Mystery blossom

[Cetti]

I saw this gorgeous blossom winding itself round a huge tree trunk last weekend. Can anyone tell me what it is as I haven't a clue?

http://i2.tinypic.com/r1cuq0.jpg

[logman]

From your picture, it looks to me like Vibernum bodnantence with some bamboo growing in the foreground..

[rosyrussell]

yes, it is definitely viburnum bodnantense. It flowers on bare stems before the leaves come out, and is a real treat in late winter early spring.

[Cetti]

Many thanks to you both. It just looked so beautiful when everything around it was dull and drab. Before I rush out to the Garden Centre at the weekend would you recommend it for a small garden - and does it have a perfume?

[rosyrussell]

Yes, it is scented - it will eventually grow about 2-3 metres high, and about 1.5 metres across, but it is possible to prune it successfully to keep it in size - once it starts to get too big, every two or three years after flowering, remove from the bottom about 1 third of the largest branches - ones that are more than 3 or 4 cms in diameter. This will keep it in shape.

[logman]

Yes, its a very useful shrub, which blooms when not much else is out, it has a very sweet fragrance too.

It was formaly known as V. fragrans and may still be sold under this name by some nurserymen..

[Cetti]

Oh lovely, that is good news.

I've copied both of your instructions and tips so I now have to find a good garden centre..or better still - a nursery. Thank you both again.