How to grow Viburnum

A wide genus of over 150 species which are both evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs. The most commonly grown Viburnums are illustrated above, V x carlcephalum, x bodnantense and tinus.

Landscaping arrangements around supermarkets and stores often give viburnum tinus, a bad reputation. Unfair, as Viburnum tinus is a lovely garden shrub, which produces flowers and berries. It is fully hardy, easy to grow, and tolerant of most conditions apart from exposed sites with chill winds. Viburnum will grow in sun or partial shade and contribute colourfully to the garden with attractive flowers, often scented and with berries in the Autumn. 

 Viburnums are not particular about soil as long as it is not too wet or waterlogged, and will grow in both part sun and part shade. If you are thinking of planting a shrub border, it is well worth looking at the varieties of Viburnums for their delicate flowers, often scented and the bonus of berries for the birds.

The varieties illustrated above are the most popular, each growing to around 3 meters and all are easy to grow, requiring little or no attention from one year to the next.

Illustrated above right is Viburnum tinus, is evergreen with white flowers during late winter and early spring flowering for a long period followed by berries. It will grow to around 3m, and tolerates both sun, semi shade and shade conditions. Suitable for most soils except those which are very dry. It is H4 hardy which is down to -15 although it grows best away from cold winter winds. Prune after flowering and Viburnum tinus will tolerate a hard prune if it has become overgrown.

Image left is Viburnum x  carlcephalum , which also has fragrant flowers which start as pink buds and open white in the spring, late April onwards. It is deciduous, suitable for sun and semi shade in soil which is not too dry. Fully hardy H6 which is -20, it is a tough shrub and easy to grow. It will reach around 2m+ and is also known as Snowball shrub on account of the proliferation of rounded flowers.

The centre image is Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' a better known deciduous variety with heavily scented flowers over a long period from late autumn to spring. The flowers appear ahead of foliage, and it grows to around 3m. V.'Dawn' will grow in sun or partial shade although it will flower best in full sun. It will grow in all soil types, preferring moisture retentive soil, which makes it unsuitable for very dry areas.

As a shrub, Viburnum is easier to grow than the similar Daphne x burkwoodii which is evergreen and scented, but more temperamental . If you like the look of Daphne x burkwoodii, but the growing conditions are not suitable, try Viburnum x bodnantense. 

 These varieties are available in garden centres and on line any of which will look good in a shrub border and you will not have to fuss over them. 

All these varieties of Viburnum and more are available to buy from Crocus (affiliate link)