Make yourself and the local wildlife happy this year—plant a few viburnums. Viburnums are amazing! They’re one of our most versatile groups of native ornamental shrubs and small trees. But good luck trying to narrow down your choices--there are over 150 species to select from, and that’s not counting cultivars! Lucky for us, Penn State created a guide that compares viburnum characteristics for specific landscape needs.
Viburnums charm us with fragrant flowers, colorful and wildlife-friendly fruit and interesting structure and textures. Some viburnums are deciduous with outstanding fall color--others are semi-evergreen or evergreen and provide winter interest. As far as I’m concerned, what makes them irresistible is that they’re easily maintained, adaptable to sun or shade and practically pest free—even deer resistant!
Since viburnums range in height from two to thirty feet, you’re sure to find a size that’s perfect for your landscape. If color coordination is uppermost in your mind, you can choose from brightly colored yellow, orange, red, pink, blue or black fruits and red, scarlet or purple fall leaf color. Their blooms range from creamy white to pink and are appealing to butterflies.
Is shape important to you? No problem—viburnums (depending on the species) grow as small trees and dense or loose shrubs. Choose from deciduous (loses its leaves in the fall), evergreen or semi-evergreen viburnums. Foliage choices range from glossy green to dull, dark green, and textures that are velvety to thick and leathery.
Many (but not all) viburnums grow one to two feet per year, so you won’t have to wait forever for them to become a nice size. Still undecided? Take a look for yourself at Cornell University's web page on Viburnum Fact Sheet and Clemson University's Viburnum Species.
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
March 8, 2008
Cacti & Succulents
Learn the fundamentals of growing cacti and succulents. Make your own dish garden to take home. This is a hands-on workshop. Please bring gloves. Cost: $15
March 29, 2008
HOME GARDENERS SCHOOL
This is it! Our twelfth annual all day educational event. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from recognized horticultural experts, shop our Marketplace and tour Neumann's historic Convent Gardens. Cost : $45 ($55 after March 14) For more details, call 610-690-2655, visit our website or email: Linda Barry.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website
