Viburnum

The Snowball Tree, sometimes known as the Guelder-Rose, is grown for its spectacular ball-shaped flowers and the red-coloured berries. The plant produces pure white flowers that are mildly fragrant and look like snowballs. Flowering from the end of winter and into summer, the foliage turns to purplish red during the autumn, offering a good spring and autumn display in the garden. The Snowball Tree grows well in a container or as a hedge, mass planting or specimen in the garden.

Soil: Tolerant of most soil types.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Frost, drought and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 3m x width 3m

Fast-growing Quick Fence viburnum odoratissimum does not grow as wide as other viburnum species and has an upright habit, ideal for privacy hedging. New leaves emerge with copper tones in cooler months, blending with the glossy green foliage, whilst white flowers arrive in late spring, followed by small red berries. Quick Fence may be grown in large containers as patio plants when provided with plenty of light. Prune regularly as it is fast growing, and fertilise with a slow-release fertiliser in spring.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and coastal hardy. Tolerates light frost.
Size: Height 4m x width 2.5m

Viburnum Dense Fense is a large dense, fast-growing, evergreen shrub with clusters of small white fragrant flowers in spring. This compact viburnum displays thick green foliage with reddish new growth. Dense Fense viburnum is ideal for screening hedges as well as a small feature tree or a patio pot plant Prune when required to keep the desired shape.

Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and light frost tolerance.
Size: Height 2.5m x width 2m

Viburnum plicatum ‘Tomentosum’, or Japanese Snowball Bush, is a striking deciduous shrub admired for its distinctive tiered form and elegant seasonal displays. In spring, broad clusters of white lacecap flowers are gracefully borne along the horizontally layered branches, contrasting beautifully with the dark green, textured foliage. As the seasons progress, the leaves transform to rich shades of purple and red, adding a vibrant autumn display before falling. Tomentosum brings a refined, architectural quality to the garden. Ideal as a specimen plant, within mixed borders, as a backdrop for smaller shrubs, or featured in cottage and woodland gardens, it lends dynamic structure and year-round interest to any landscape.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. It is a hardy plant that will tolerate dry periods, coastal conditions, frost, and cool climates.
Size: Height 3m x width 2.5m

A spring flowering, deciduous shrub, Viburnum burkwoodii Anne Russell has magnificent flowers and a wonderful fragrance. The flowers appear in clusters of large white tubular blossoms surrounded by mid-green foliage.
Try to grow Anne Russell where the fragrance can be appreciated, so near a pathway is a great choice. It is ideal in containers as well as cottage gardens.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun with a little afternoon shade. Frost, drought and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 2m x width 2m

The Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus Aureum), is a vigorous, bushy deciduous shrub with three-lobed, bright yellow leaves, and masses of spectacular clusters of white flowers. The flowers appear throughout late spring-summer, followed by red berries. The berries can be cooked into a tasty jam - they should not be eaten raw. The bark, when eaten, is thought to have positive antispasmodic effects, earning the plant one of its common names: crampbark.

Soil: Tolerates most soil types
Conditions: Full sun to shade. Frost and drought tolerant
Size: Height 4m x width 4m

Notcutts Variety Viburnum produces a spectacular show all year round. Between spring and summer, the shrub will show off glossy green leaves with spectacular large clusters of glorious white, lace-cap flowers. During autumn the glossy green leaves will change to purple-red, and the flowers will be replaced with dazzling red berries. The more viburnums planted together, the greater the cluster of berries due to their cross-pollination. The berries, as well as the softly-fragrant flowers, have a great vase life.

Soil: Prefers good drainage
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and frost tolerant.
Size: Height 3m x width 3m.

Viburnum tinus is a dense shrub with green glossy leaves and clusters of pink flower buds appearing in late winter - opening to pure white in spring. The showy flowers are followed by metallic, dark blue berries. The shrub responds well to an annual prune after flowering and is widely used in hedges and screens.

Soil: Tolerant of all soil types including heavy clay.
Conditions: Full sun or part shade. Tolerant of drought, coast and frost.
Size: Height 3m x width 3m