PLANT PROFILE

What Hardy evergreen and deciduous ornamental shrubs. Most are known by their botanical name, viburnum, although the group includes some plants known by common names, such as black haw, guelder rose and Japanese snowball.

Origins A genus of over 200 species, including some British and North American natives, distributed mainly across northern temperate regions. Some originate from South America, some from southeast Asia and some from Morocco.

Season Viburnums may be grown for their early season flowers, but they have the benefit of autumn foliage colour and fruits – a second season of interest.

Size Plants range from small compact shrubs, such as Viburnum davidii ( 75cm x 90cm), to small trees, such as Viburnum sieboldii, (3m x 2.4m).

Conditions Most viburnums are easy to grow, being hardy shrubs that thrive on most soils including clay. Several are particularly successful on chalk, while some have more specific requirements.

Hardiness Most are hardy throughout the UK even in cold winters. Depending on species hardiness ratings vary from RHS H5 (hardy to -15º C) to RHS H7 (hardy to below -20 º C), and are suitable for gardens in USDA zones 3a-9b.

*Holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Hardiness ratings given where available.