Two Viburnums:Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)
Burkwood Viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii)

The arboretum has several kinds of viburnums. You can find one for almost any landscaping need, from large screening evergreen shrub to fragrant showy accent plant. Two are in full bloom right now.

The Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) is covered in clusters of buds and  flowers. The tightly closed buds are a hot pink which open to pale pink flowers. They are very fragrant. Each cluster is a beautiful bouquet of the hot and pale pink colors.

The Burkwood Viburnum (Viburnum x  burkwoodii) is covered in clusters of white flowers that resemble snowballs. The buds are pink. Each cluster of flowers is larger and rounder than the Spice Viburnum but each individual flower is smaller. They are also fragrant, but not as fragrant.

 

Both of these shrubs are somewhat straggly, upright and multi-stemmed. Leaves are opposite and a lustrous dark green. The berries in the fall are red and change to black, but are not ornamental. These shrubs prefer full sun, but will take part shade and are adaptable to all but soggy soils. The Koreanspice Viburnum grows four to six feet tall and will spread out five to eight feet. The Burkwood Viburnum is usually taller than wide, getting eight to ten feet tall and five to seven feet wide.

These two shrubs are outstanding deciduous shrubs for Southern gardens. They are heat tolerant and like our acidic soil. They have beautiful, fragrant clusters of showy flowers in early spring and lustrous, dark green foliage all summer. Come enjoy ours now and you’ll want one in your garden.

 

 

Back to Plant of the Month