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Viburnum: By
Lori Bowen
The viburnum is such an essential addition to any landscape or garden due to its interesting foliage and phenomenal blooms, with most of them appearing in the spring. Their bloom color ranges from white to pink, and some bear fruit that ranges in color. Many viburnums are reminiscent of the past and are gaining popularity again in today's gardens. There are about 150 species of viburnums and numerous cultivars, making this a very large group of plants -- and making it difficult to become enamored with just one particular type. Although most viburnums are deciduous, losing their leaves in the winter, some are evergreen to semi-evergreen. Some are as small as 3 feet tall and others are as large as 30 feet tall.
Deciding on which viburnum to choose for your landscape relies on personal preference. The following list of some of the more popular viburnums will acquaint you with the characteristics. Viburnum Dentatum: Arrowood Viburnum "Chicago Lustre" -- This viburnum has glossy dark green foliage that turns reddish-purple in the fall with a rounded shape that grows 10 feet by 10 feet with white to cream blooms in May to early June. Viburnum Opulus: European Cranberry Viburnum. A very showy viburnum with large white spring blooms and lovely fruit in the fall. Most grow 8 to 12 feet tall. Viburnum X Burk Wood II: Burkwood Viburnum "Mohawk." The best attributes of this viburnum is the spicy clove fragrance of the blooms and its disease resistance. Can grow to 7 feet tall.
Viburnum Carlesil: Koreanspice Viburnum. This viburnum has a perfect pink to reddish bud, opening to white April to May with a wonderful fragrance. Most grow 5 feet tall. Viburnum Rhytidophyllum: Leatherleaf Viburnum. This is an evergreen viburnum with dark glossy leaves and slightly fragrant yellowish-pink flowers that appear in May. Viburnum Plicatum: Doublefile Viburnum Summer Snowflake. A continuous summer-blooming viburnum with white flowers that set to red fruit. Spring is a
great time to plant these shrubs. Most prefer part-sun to shade
conditions, while some can tolerate full sun and prefer slightly
acid and moist but well-drained soil. Viburnums
are sure to reward you with lovely blooms that will delight you
year after year. --- To reach Lori Bowen, email her at lori@lavalette.net. |
To
borrow a quote from famous plantsman Michael Dirr, "A garden
without a viburnum is akin to life without music and art."
