Viburnums Shine with Versatility and Veracity
by Cheryl Farley
During the sunny dog days of summer, it is best to have those veracious plants in the garden that hold up to the heat – even when we can’t! No drooping, wilting or withering to personify any need to hydrate or take a dip. While many plants manage to look lovely all summer long, viburnums are truly among the best. Not only will they hold up under the most extreme conditions, their versatility allows them to shine in a multitude of roles throughout the garden and landscape and throughout the year.
There are over 150 species of viburnum shrubs and small trees throughout the world. Several are native to Maine, with options suitable for every size and style of garden, from formal hedges to wild, naturalized plantings. These charming plants produce delicate creamy white or pink flowers in the spring, filling the air with subtle fragrances. In the heat of the summer, their lush green foliage provides a cooling backdrop complete with vibrant berries emerging to feed the birds come fall and into winter. By autumn their leaves blaze with brilliant reds, yellows or purples, offering a perfect tapestry of visual interest late into the year.
Viburnums range in size and shape from compact, mounded shrubs to larger, tree-like plants. Some grow to a modest three feet, while others soar to heights of fifteen feet or more, allowing them to fit in almost any setting. When deciding which to choose, the soil conditions, desired outcome, and allowable space must be taken into account. It’s always a good idea to plant native plants whenever possible. Three viburnums native to Maine include: Arrowood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum); Cranberry Viburnum (Viburnum trilobum) and Nannyberry Viburnum (Viburnum lentago). Each of these offers late spring flowers, attractive berries that birds love, and good fall foliage color. They hold up well under the often harsh Maine climate, are drought tolerant and need little pruning or care. They can be used for foundation plantings, as a backdrop in the garden bed, or grouped to form a windshield or hedge. Planted near gateways, patios, or along garden paths, they will invite passersby to pause and take in their beauty up close.
If looking for a little more drama in the landscape, the Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum) is a great choice. It is known for its distinctive tiered, horizontal branching habit that creates a stunning architectural display, particularly in winter. In spring it is covered with lovely white lacecap flowers that hold their bloom into to early summer, followed by red berries that transition to black, and striking purple-red fall foliage. They can grow to be quite large and make a beautiful specimen planting along a wooded edge, under the shady branches of an old oak tree, or at the edge of large garden bed. These are a little less drought tolerant than other varieties, and prefer well-drained, moist soil – but their stunning beauty is well worth any extra requirements for their contentment. For a wildlife garden or informal hedge, try Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush). It too has lacecap flowers, vibrant red berries, and lovely fall foliage. Another fun one is Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball) which is noted for its tiered branching and dramatic snowball-shaped flowers.
In addition to their beauty and usefulness in the garden, viburnums are prized for their support of local wildlife and contributions to the health of the broader ecosystem. They offer food and shelter for wildlife, aid in soil stabilization, and support pollinator populations. Beautiful, versatile and veracious! Who could ask for anything more? Head to the nursery today and get some in the ground – there is still plenty of time to plant this fall!
