| February 2010 Plant of the Month — Viburnum |
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Of all the flowering shrubs available for the North American garden, Viburnum are underrated by the majority, but they have a dedicated core of knowledgeable fans who would not be without them. Indeed their floral display, usually followed by a magnificent show of fruit, should put them on everyone’s ‘must have’ list. They are most often listed as being members of the family Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle) along with other familiar genera such as Lonicera, Weigelia and Heptocodium. However, based on DNA studies, there is talk of moving both Viburnum and Sambucus into the Adoxaceae family. Only time will tell as to when this taxonomic change will become prevalent. With 150 -175 recognized species Viburnum are native to many areas of the Northern Hemisphere with most being found in eastern North America and eastern Asia. Most often they are shrubs or small trees that prefer full sun but can adapt to shade and they’re are not overly fussy about their soil conditions. Many exhibit excellent drought tolerance once they are established. They are extremely easy to grow and will reward any gardener who uses them as a specimen or background planting. This is an excellent shrub for providing the ‘bones’ of a perennial border or as a ‘trellis’ for Clematis to climb through. Foliage is generally dark green (although there are a few variegated selections) with the simple leaves borne in an opposite arrangement. Most species and cultivars put on a wonderful display of fall color as their leaves turn shades of burgundy, bronze or golden yellow. These are definitely plants with multiple seasons of interest. The flowers of Viburnum are borne in umbel-like clusters, more correctly known as corymbs, and are usually white to cream but sometimes pink, especially in the bud stage. In some species/cultivars the outer ring of flowers are larger and showy but also sterile in a bid to economically attract pollinators. Asian natives are more likely to be fragrant than the species from North America. Most Viburnum are not self fertile so it is necessary to plant complimentary varieties in order to ensure a good display of fruit. Flowering takes place from early spring through to mid summer (depending upon species) which indicates that most bud set is taking place late summer and fall. Generally little pruning is required except for the removal of 3D (damaged, diseased, dead) branches. Deadheading is counterproductive as the fruit display is worth waiting for. However keep you eye on them if you want to enjoy the show as Viburnum often act as giant bird feeders and can be stripped of fruit quite rapidly once they are discovered by our feathered friends. There are Viburnum hardy in zones 2 to 9. There are few pest or disease problems, although Viburnum Leaf Beetle is becoming a problem for some gardeners as it makes its way south. The best response is to plant species that exhibit greater resistance to the insect. Viburnum nudum is native to moist, boggy areas of the eastern United States most commonly found as an understory shrub or small tree up to 12’ (4m) in height. This variety adapts easily to cultivation, tolerating conditions from full sun to partial shade and well drained to moist soil conditions. Commonly known as Naked Viburnum, Possumhaw, or Smooth Witherod. Multiple plants are required to ensure good fruit set. V. nudum ‘Bulk’ PPAF BRANDYWINE™This recent release is a compact selection that will only reach 6’ (2m) in height and spread at maturity. Creamy white flowers in May. Dark glossy green foliage becomes an awesome deep burgundy in the autumn, beautifully offsetting the magnificent display of fruit. The berries are the main attraction of this cultivar, purportedly the heaviest fruit set of any Viburnum. Multiple colors are visible at any one time as the fruit are green as they are forming but turn white as they age and then mature to pink and finally deep blue. Adaptable to full sun to part shade and moist to well drained conditions. USDA 5 to 9V. nudum ‘Winterthur’A great companion to BRANDYWINE as the two will cross-pollinate and ensure excellent fruit set. Foliage is a lovely glossy green that turns a bright wine red in the autumn. Fruit also ages from white through pink to bright blue. Height and spread is again in the vicinity of 6’ (2m). USDA 5 to 9Viburnum plicatumis native to eastern Asia. Foliage tends to be very attractive in its own right often having a leathery and/or pleated appearance. Know as Japanese Snowball Viburnum as the white flowers are borne in spherical clusters. Not generally grown for their fruit display.
A Japanese Snowball with soft pink flowers! Bright green pleated foliage also has a deep red hue as it emerges from the buds and returns to shades of red in the autumn. May brings masses of pink ‘snowballs’ covering the plants that mature at 10’ (3m) in height with a spread of 6’-8’ (2m-2.5m). USDA 5 to 9 |
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