Viburnums
Viburnums are one of the most outstanding groups of shrubs for use in landscape planting. Varying in height from 2 to 30 feet, Viburnums can be found to suit most any planting location. Their varied growth habits, excellent foliage, striking and fragrant flowers, showy fruit and interesting winter appearance make them an excellent choice for most gardeners.
Effective in many situations, the smaller forms, such as Viburnum carlesi 'Compacta' and V. opulus 'Compactum', are excellent for planting close to houses, and the larger forms, such as V. lantana and V. prunifolium, make good specimen and screen plantings.
Viburnum flowers, primarily white in color, are borne in clusters, ranging from a rounded snowball shape to a flat form. Large, white snowball clusters of florets are found on V. carlcephalum and V. macrocephalum. Half-round flower forms are borne on such types as V. carlesi and V. burkwoodi. Most of the others have a flat cluster of florets such as V. plicatum 'Tomentosum,' V. dilatatum, etc.
Viburnum foliage can be extraordinary with types that include a velvety smooth leaf surface, bold rough-veined textures and glossy leathery character. In addition, some forms have attractive fall leaf color such as the purplish red of V. dentatum and V. dilatatum, as well as the brilliant red of V. opulus.
In the fall and winter there is also ornamental value with berries. Many viburnums produce lovely fruits in shades of red, pink, yellow and blue-black which not only add to fall and winter interest, but can also be attractive to birds.
In addition to the many pleasing aesthetic features of these plants, viburnums are also very hardy, resistant to serious pests, thrive in a variety of soil and environmental conditions and require little pruning. They will grow in either sun or shade; however, flowering and fruiting will be more profuse in a sunny location.
