Viburnum

The genus Viburnum, with its common names such as arrowwood and high bush cranberry, offers a delightful array of ornamental shrubs that are a cornerstone of garden diversity. These plants are adorned with a profusion of flowers ranging from the purest white to the gentlest pink and the softest yellow, often releasing a captivating fragrance that fills the air. As seasons transition, many species of Viburnum bear fruit that not only adds to the visual splendor but also attracts an assortment of wildlife to your garden. The foliage, a lush green, provides a verdant backdrop throughout the year, making Viburnum an exquisite choice for those seeking to cultivate a garden with both aesthetic appeal and ecological value.

150cm

Viburnum carlesii Koreanspice viburnum

19^15From

70cm

Viburnum davidii David viburnum

11^95From

500cm

Viburnum rhytidophyllum Wrinkled viburnum

13^15From

250cm

Viburnum tinus Laurustinus

6^35From

Buy Viburnum

The genus Viburnum, commonly referred to as arrowwood or high bush cranberry, encompasses a versatile group of shrubs known for their stunning floral displays and vibrant fruit. These plants are beloved for their ability to thrive in various lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade, making them an ideal choice for gardeners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their borders, group plantings, or as standalone features.

Viburnums boast a long flowering season, with blooms appearing from early spring through June and then again in the winter months, showcasing a palette of white, pink, and yellow flowers. As the seasons change, so does the foliage, transforming from a lush green to a striking red in the autumn. With both deciduous and evergreen varieties within the genus, Viburnum offers year-round interest to any garden.

Key Features

Flowering and Fruit-Bearing: Viburnum species are prolific bloomers, offering a profusion of flowers primarily in the spring, with some varieties also displaying winter blooms. Post-flowering, these shrubs produce attractive fruit that evolves in color from blue in summer to black, blue, and red in autumn and winter, providing visual interest as well as a food source for wildlife.
Foliage: The foliage of Viburnum is equally impressive, maintaining a vibrant green throughout the spring and summer months. In the fall, many species display foliage that turns various shades of red, adding a warm touch to the autumn landscape.
Water Requirements: These shrubs have average water needs, making them a suitable choice for gardeners who prefer plants that do not require intensive watering regimes.
Propagation: Viburnum is a genus that can be propagated with ease via softwood, semi-ripe, or hardwood cuttings. This flexibility allows gardeners to expand their collection or share these delightful shrubs with others.
Pruning: Generally low-maintenance when it comes to pruning, Viburnum only requires occasional trimming to remove any unsightly shoots or to preserve the desired shape of the plant.

Tips

Planting Location: To ensure optimal growth and flowering, position your Viburnum in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The right amount of sunlight will encourage a more robust bloom and fruit production.
Soil Requirements: While Viburnum is adaptable to various soil types, it is essential to plant it in well-drained soil to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Winter Interest: For gardens that lack winter color, consider planting Viburnum varieties that flower during the colder months. These will add a welcome splash of color and life to your garden when most other plants are dormant.
Pruning Guidance: If you decide to prune your Viburnum for shape or to remove unwanted shoots, it is best done immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off the buds for the next season's blooms.
Wildlife Attraction: The fruit produced by Viburnum not only adds to the plant's ornamental value but also attracts birds and other wildlife to your garden, providing an additional layer of natural charm and interest.

Types

Embrace the enchanting allure of Viburnum, commonly known as arrowwood or high bush cranberry, and let its lush foliage and charming flowers bring a touch of serene beauty to your garden. Whether gracing a border, serving as a vibrant hedge, or standing alone as an ornamental feature, these hardy shrubs offer year-round appeal with their glossy leaves, intoxicatingly fragrant blooms, and attractive berries. Discover the perfect Viburnum variety to create your own garden sanctuary.

The Viburnum tinus, commonly known as laurustinus, is a versatile shrub that hails from the Mediterranean region. Renowned for its ability to bloom during the cooler months from January to May, it produces delicate white flowers that bring a touch of elegance to any garden. This robust plant is ideal for creating ornate hedges or as a striking feature in mixed borders, offering year-round foliage and a splash of color in the chill of winter.
The Viburnum davidii, or David's Viburnum, is a splendid evergreen native to Western China. It boasts an impressive display of glossy, deep green leaves and is highly esteemed for its ability to produce clusters of fragrant flowers that transition from pink buds to crisp white blooms through the months of April to June. This plant's ornamental qualities are further enhanced by the metallic blue berries that succeed its flowering period, adding a vibrant touch to any garden setting.
The Viburnum carlesii, commonly referred to as Koreanspice Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its aromatic white flowers that grace gardens in April and May. Native to Korea and Japan, this plant is cherished for its pleasantly perfumed blooms that emit a rich, spicy fragrance, beckoning the arrival of spring. The Viburnum carlesii is a captivating addition to any landscape, offering a sensory feast with its showy blossoms and the gentle rustle of its leaves in the breeze.

Ideal placement of a Viburnum

The species thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, with a preference for bright, indirect light to foster abundant flowering and fruiting. It is versatile enough to adapt to various lighting conditions, making it suitable for different garden aspects. The Viburnum's adaptability extends to its soil preference, as it can establish itself in a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. Consistent moisture is key, yet the plant is able to tolerate average water levels. Care should be taken to ensure the selected site enables the shrub to exhibit its seasonal changes in foliage and fruit coloration to full effect.

Planting a Viburnum

Planting this versatile shrub entails choosing a location with sufficient sunlight or partial shade to accommodate its light preferences. Begin by digging a hole that is twice the width of the pot and the same depth, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface when placed inside. Gently remove the shrub from the pot and loosen the roots if they are tightly bound. Position the plant in the center of the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and ensure adequate moisture for establishment. Regular watering is recommended to maintain average moisture levels, particularly during dry spells.

Fertilising a Viburnum

To ensure optimal health and abundant flowering of Viburnum, fertilization is an important aspect of its care. It is recommended to fertilize these shrubs once in early spring, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. This type of fertilizer will gradually release nutrients into the soil, supporting steady growth throughout the flowering and fruiting seasons.

Application should be according to the manufacturer's instructions, taking care not to over-fertilize, as this could lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers and fruits. A second light application can be considered in the late spring or early summer to sustain the shrub's needs, particularly if it is displaying signs of new growth or preparing for a robust fruiting season. Proper fertilization will contribute to the overall vigor of Viburnum, enhancing its ornamental value through lush foliage and vibrant fruit colors.

Pruning a Viburnum

Pruning for this species is minimal, focusing primarily on aesthetic and health considerations. Should unsightly or damaged branches emerge, they can be selectively removed to maintain the shrub's natural form. To encourage a denser growth habit, light trimming after the flowering period can be beneficial. However, it is not essential for the plant's overall health or flowering capability. The inherent resilience and self-maintaining nature of Viburnum allow it to thrive with or without regular pruning interventions.

Watering a Viburnum

This species thrives with an average amount of water, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the establishment phase, it is essential to regularly water the plant, allowing the root system to develop robustly. Thereafter, the shrub is generally able to withstand typical weather patterns, though supplemental watering may become necessary during extended dry spells. It is advisable to water deeply and less frequently to encourage the roots to grow deeper into the ground, which will help the plant become more drought-tolerant over time.

The characteristics of a Viburnum

The versatility of Viburnum is often overshadowed by its ornamental value. This species is excellent for creating natural privacy screens or hedges due to its dense growth habit. When planted in a pot, ensure that the container is spacious enough to accommodate its root system for optimal development. In addition, the plant's ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions makes it a robust choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet stunning addition to their landscape.

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