Viburnums frequently set good-looking fruit, which often persists for a long time. Among the best fruiting viburnums is linden viburnum (V. dilatatum). Dr. Egolf also introduced some fine cultivars of this East Asian species. The red fruits of 'Erie' eventually turn coral, then pink. The compact-growing 'Oneida' holds its glossy, dark-red fruit for most of the winter. 'Michael Dodge', with its yellow fruit, is good for the autumn garden. The bright-red berries of tea viburnum (V. setigerum) often persist throughout winter. This Asian native will take a lot of shade, and you could try making tea from the leaves.
Smooth witherod (V. nudum), a fine native species, also puts on an exceptional show in fruit. Its berries turn from green to pink to red to dark blue. All these can appear on a single plant at the same time. 'Winterthur' is more compact. In fall, smooth witherod's glossy leaves turn from tinted bronze to bright red.
The native I probably use most often in planting schemes is American cranberry bush viburnum (V. trilobum), so named because its fruit looks like bright-red cranberries. Its crisp and shiny dark-green foliage turns reddish-purple in the fall. New growth emerges with a reddish tint. Compact cultivars, such as'Compactum Alfredo', work well in hedges or shrub borders. 'Wentworth' is a must for winter interest, with its cherry-red winter fruit persisting well into January if the temperature doesn't drop too drastically. American cranberry bush, however, does not like dry locations.
For good fruit displays, it's important to remember that most viburnums are not self-pollinating. In fact, except for V. opulus, they are self-incompatible, which means they need a little genetic variability to fruit well. For example, witherod viburnum does not fruit well planted alone. When planted near its cousin, smooth witherod, it's fruiting dramatically increases.
Once you plant a viburnum or three in your garden, you're certain to enjoy them from season to season and for many years to come. And you'll probably start looking for more of these rewarding shrubs to grow as well.
Ken Twombly, an arborist and garden designer, is owner of Twombly Nursery in Monroe, Connecticut, which specializes in trees and shrubs.
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