Versatile Viburnum Shrubs Suit All Garden Types
Choose Viburnum for Attractive Foliage and Fragrant Flowers
Apr 29, 2009
Viburnum is a genus of shrub with up to 150 species and they are prolific bloomers in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Either evergreen or deciduous they can find a place in nearly every garden. They are very versatile shrubs and tolerate most conditions. Depending on the particular requirements there are viburnum plants for splendid eye-catching foliage, viburnum plants for four season flowers and from the vast range of species there are viburnum plants, big and small to suit both country and town gardens.
Where to Grow Viburnums
Viburnum plants are versatile but to get the best results possible the ideal conditions for success are:
- Plant in sun or semi-shade with good ventilation.
- Poor ventilation will cause mildew on the leaves in late summer.
- Moist soil is preferred, but some drought will be tolerated.
- A rich loamy soil is ideal.
- In the main viburnum seems unbothered by soil pH and either acid or alkaline is acceptable but check plant labels for specific requirements.
- Position smaller viburnum plants where they can be seen from inside the house as the berries will attract birds all through the Fall.
- For local scent plant Viburnum farreri close to windows where it will waft its perfume from fall to spring.
Pruning Viburnum Shrubs
Pruning a viburnum can be done at any time of the year and as different viburnum plants can bloom all throughout the year it is best to do any formal pruning once the plant has stopped flowering. Plants that bloom in the spring should be pruned in late summer and so forth.
Pinching out new young shoots helps to keep the plant under control without having to subject it to a formal pruning. Just pinch the green tip and it will result in a more woody stem with more side branches.
Thinning out various selected stems gives the plant a more open and airy appearance. Cut out some older branches this way. Cut the branch right back to the main stem ending with a “Y” shape.
Pruning for rejuvenation is to be taken seriously and viburnum plants benefit from this type of pruning every few years. Cut the entire plant back to near the ground leaving good sturdy new stems in place. New thin stems should be removed altogether.
If frost is likely to be a problem delay pruning as once the plant is pruned it my send out new shoots too quickly which will most likely be killed by the frost.
Favorite Viburnums
- Viburnum carlesii "Koreanspice" is always a good choice. Slow growth with branches close to the ground, this plant is covered in fragrant flowers from mid-April.
- For stunning foliage select Viburnum sargetii "Onondaga". It is a compact bush with bronze leaves and early flowers.
- For summer flowers use Viburnum "Summer Snowflake" and for lacecap flowers similar to the Hydrangea Lacecap choose Viburnum plicatum "Mariesii". This is a perfect focal or architectural shrub with masses of spring flowers and colorful summer foliage. Being deciduous it accommodates the planting of spring bulbs adding early color to the garden.
Viburnum lantago is also a fine choice for gardens with temperatures such as U.S. zones 2-8. It is an imposing ornamental shrub suited to most areas of the garden, space permitting – it can eventually grow to 10ft.wide and up to 15ft. high or more. It tolerates most soil types, drought, heat and even city pollution. It is a wonderful shrub with dark glossy leaves, abundant flowers all summer and in autumn the leaves turn a dark red and the shrub is covered in fruit for the birds. With its attractive red buds it is a colorful shrub for winter gardens. This lovely shrub has year round appeal and makes a splendid informal hedge.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
