Used as feature plants and hedging plants, Viburnums come in a range of varieties. Different growth habits and flowers that also vary in form. originally from Asia, Europe and North America, they are wonderful landscaping plants and deserve more attention.
Flowering in late spring to summer, many varieties have showy flowers as well a great textured foliage. Some are deciduous, others are evergreen and many have fragrant flowers.
The flowers appear in clusters, some appear as terminal flowers, others grow along the branches and create a tiered ‘wedding cake’ effect.
These tough hardy shrub relatively drought tolerant once established. Good soil and light mulch will keep them happy in most temperate gardens. Being a generally hardy species, Viburnum thrive in full sun or part shade in a well mulched and well drained soil.
Viburnum Varieties
Viburnum plants and species found for sale in Australia include V. tinus, V. opulus and V.odoratissimum all are popular as garden plants and some make great hedges.
Cultivars such as Viburnum Bodantense ‘Dawn’(pictured below right) is perhaps one of the most popular of all viburnums. Some are highly perfumed such as v. x carlcephalum ( fragrant snowball ), some with attractive flowers such as v. plicatum roseace and others such as v. odoratissimum var awabuki, with foliage that sets them apart in the garden.
Viburnum opulus ‘Notcutt’s Variety’ is a fast growing variety with larger flowers than some.
Viburnum Anne Russell is regarded as one of the best smaller growing fragrant types.
Viburnums Varieties in landscaping
These versatile plants, varieties such as Viburnum tinus can be used as a hedge or screening plant. Viburnum Emerald Lustre is a popular cultivar for this purpose and is a great choice with its glossy leaves.
In the garden border they work well both as a background plant, as well as a feature plant that is allowed to overflow onto a lawn. The scented flowers and attractive foliage and the easy to grow nature of viburnums make them a great addition to any garden. Viburnum grow well in full sun to part shade and are reasonably drought tolerant once established.
Basic Care
Best grown in a sunny position with some afternoon shade in very hot areas. All Viburnums like a humus rich moist soil, however good drainage is also important. Protection from hot winds in summer is recommended.
These are basic notes on care, different species will require slightly differing conditions
- Plant at around. 5m apart for a dense hedge.
- Well drained, humus rich soil.
- Best in frost free areas.
- Full sun to light shade
- Grows well in both cool and warm climates
- Requires some extra moisture during long dry periods
- Fertilise in spring with a general purpose slow release type fertiliser.
- Mulch around plants to maintain moisture and a cool root run.
Further Reading
Viburnum plants are available for sale from the following listed participating nurseries
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
862 Midland Highway Mount Rowan Vic 3352
We offer over 245 varieties of Fuchsia, tubestock, pots, baskets and standards. Mail order specialists. Open 7 days by appointment.
www.brenlissaonlinenursery.com.au
Wholesale suppliers include:
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
17 McCarthy Rd Monbulk, Vic, 3793, Australia
Specialising in propagation and production of over 900 species / varieties of ornamental plants, perennials & rare plants. Supplying nurseries, landscapers & others. Minimum quantities apply! Contact us to discuss plants or growing requirements.
www.devontubestock.com