Viburnum is a shrub that brings versatility to any outdoor space. With its clusters of fragrant flowers and attractive foliage, it is the perfect choice for hedges, focal points, or as a haven for beneficial wildlife.
Planting Calendar
Evergreen Viburnums are best planted in spring and autumn while deciduous varieties are best planted in winter to early spring giving them time to establish before the heat of summer.
Prepare
Viburnums are versatile, easy-to-grow shrubs that thrive in a wide range of situations. There are many to choose from, large or small, evergreen or deciduous. These beautiful plants produce rounded or flat clusters of white or pink flowers, often highly fragrant, in winter, spring or summer. These may be followed by ornamental berries in a range of colours.
Position
Viburnums flower best when in a sunny to lightly shaded position with some shelter from strong winds. Too much shade will result in poor flowering.
Soil
When planted into the ground Viburnums prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets and Kings 24 plus fertiliser, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers, plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Borer and Thrips are the main pests that can affect Viburnums.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.
Spraying
Spraying for protection against Thrips is highly recommended. Spray with Mavrik and BioNeem.
Pruning
Prune annually to maintain shape and size.
Top Varieties
Viburnum opulus sterile "Snowball Tree"
Gorgeous globular creamy white "Snowball" flower heads appear throughout spring. Deciduous. Grows 3 x 2m.
Viburnum Eve Price
A compact shrub with quite coarse green foliage, carmine red buds appear in late winter and open to white blooms tinged pink. Flowers are lightly perfumed and followed by dark blue berries. Easy to grow in sun or light shade. Responds well to pruning. Evergreen. Grows 1.5 x 1.3m
Viburnum Summer Snowflake.
A real show stopper due to its prolific flowering. Covered in single white flowers from spring through to autumn. Growing up to 1.8m and deciduous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Viburnum?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil.
When is the best time to plant Viburnum?
The best time to plant Viburnum is in autumn or early spring when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
When should I prune Viburnum?
Prune annually to maintain shape and size.
Are Viburnum plants prone to any pests or diseases?
Viburnum can be affected by aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatments can help manage these issues.
How tall does Viburnum grow?
Viburnum species vary in size. Some are compact shrubs growing 1-2 metres tall, while others can reach up to 3-4 metres. Check the specific variety for accurate growth information