Archives  Viburnums are Versatile Shrubs

Article Subsections --------------------------------------- Shrubs are Easy to Grow Attractive Foliage Don't Forget the Flowers Fruit Adds to the Appeal Excel from Season to Season

It can be risky for a nursery owner to go out on a limb about naming his favorite plants. But I have absolutely no qualms about saying that viburnums are my pick for the most versatile and gardenworthy genus of shrubs. Besides having attractive foliage and growth habits, the best viburnums also offer lovely-- sometimes even fragrant-- flowers. Many also boast colorful fruits and stunning fall foliage. In addition, the fruits are appealing to birds and other wildlife. What more could you ask of a shrub?

As a garden designer, whenever I've needed a shrub for a problem area-- dry, wet, sunny, or shady-- a viburnum has always come to the rescue. There are more than 150 species of Viburnum; many are native to North America, growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 9. My current garden is in Zone 6, Connecticut, but I've also grown viburnums in the Zone 2 climate of Vermont.

Viburnums are usually shrubs, but their habits vary. A few dwarf varieties, such as Viburnum opulus 'Nanum', are under 3 feet. Others, such as Seibold viburnum (V. seiboldii), may grow up to 20 feet tall. Most viburnums also have a full spreading habit. Some viburnums can become medium-size trees, especially if they are pruned. Viburnums excel as specimen plants or as anchors in mixed borders. You won't find a more versatile group of shrubs for hedges or for massing in groups, since viburnums hold their own in every season. Some viburnums, such as Prague viburnum (V. 'Pragense'), are evergreen. Others, such as leatherleaf viburnum (V. rhytidophyllum), are semi-evergreen in colder climates, losing their leaves when temperatures dip below 10ºF.

A few viburnums can be grown as standards and used in various settings. A viburnum standard can create height in the back of a border or in pots on each side of a terrace entrance, underplanted with annuals. Varieties that look good as standards are: V. plicatum var. tomentosum 'Newport', V. carlesii 'Compactum', and V. X bodnantense 'Dawn'. The latter's late-winter blooms provide a wonderful display.

V I B U R N U M Viburnum spp. and cvs. Vie-BUR-num A genus of more than 150 evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous woody plants. Many are native to North America, but their range extends to Southeast Asia and South America. They are admired for their foliage, flowers, and fruit. Most viburnums flower in spring. The sometimes-fragrant flowers range from white and cream to pink-flushed or wholly pink. They are borne in terminal or axillary panicles, clusters, corymbs, or cymes, which are often spherical or domed. Some species have blooms similar to the flattened heads of lacecap hydrangeas. Many species bear ornamental fruits in late summer or fall. They are usually spherical or ovoid and may be red, yellow, blue, or black. Most viburnums grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Some viburnums prefer dry soil. Viburnums can be propagated by seed, but the process is labor-intensive. Instead, take softwood cuttings when a 6-inch terminal branch snaps when bent, which is usually in summer. Cold hardiness varies by species, but most viburnums will grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.

VERSATILE VIBURNUMS

1. These Adaptable Shrubs are Easy to Grow
2. Viburnums are Known for Their Attractive Foliage
3. But Don't Forget the Flowers
4. Colorful Fruit Adds to the Appeal
5. Viburnums that Excel from Season to Season