In my experience the viburnum is more fragrant. Also it is fairly upright in growth so would fit in your space. But the flowers do get spoiled by frost. If you have space I'd get both. Another fantastic winter scent is Chimonanthus fragrans but it might outgrow your space. Don't know if it would do in your climate.

Hi. I am in humid Northern Virginia, and also thinking about witch hazels and new dawn viburnum. I have a spot along a sloped fence line, between a holly and a hemlock. There's some shade and not a lot of root space. I need something that will leaf out early for privacy, although it doesn't have to be dense. What would you pick?

For me, in the southeast, the Viburnum is difficult to establish. It is sensitive to drought and the stems die back as a result. Those bright pink flowers in late winter make it worth the effort. Witch hazels can be scentless- pick the right one for fragrance. 'Wisley Supreme' and 'Arnold Promise'- spicy yellow things, they are my favorites.

'Vesna' is a fantastic witch hazel with strong scent and a relatively upright form. I grow both 'Vesna' and 'Pallida' in my garden, and 'Vesna' is definitely more fragrant. It's a strong bright gold, which I wouldn't like so much in summer, but it's exactly what I want in winter.

In my garden I have both and Pink Dawn is hands down more fragrant. Maybe I notice it more because it is close to a path I walk every day and the witch hazel is further down in the woods garden.

Sandy

Does pink dawn bloom even when there's frosts and freezes?

Amy