Few shrubs are as versatile as viburnums. These are tough, very adaptable shrubs that come in varied sizes and forms to fit the needs of either small or large landscapes. Most have four-season interest because of their lovely spring flowers, exceptionally colorful fall foliage and beautiful, bountiful berries. Some have an added bonus of outstanding fragrance.

Viburnums grow best in slightly moist, but well drained soil. They tolerate most pH levels and will grow in difficult conditions. Some varieties need full sun for the best production of flowers, fruits and fall color. Others require partial shade for optimal performance.

These are low-maintenance shrubs. They do benefit from periodic removal of older stems to reduce over crowding, increase flower production, and stimulate healthy new growth. Old branches can be thinned or removed to ground level to accomplish this. Always try to maintain the shrub's natural shape when pruning.

Known for flowering well most years, viburnums have three general flower types. One group has flowers consisting of flat clusters several inches in diameter made up of hundreds of small flowers that produce berries. Another group has rounded clusters of sterile flowers, which usually do not bear fruit. The last group has a lacecap flower consisting of a flat cluster of fertile flowers surrounded by large petals. Viburnum flowers range from very light pink to creamy white.

Fertile viburnums do not necessarily produce heavy fruit crops each year. Good fruiting requires insect pollination. If the weather is cold and rainy with little insect activity when pollen is ripe, fruiting will be sparse. To help insure a bountiful fruit display, plant viburnums in mass groupings.

Few insects and diseases affect viburnums. Viburnum crown borer is a clear-winged moth that causes some damage in its larval stage. Affected shrubs are girdled at the crown, develop early fall color, and are slow to break buds in the spring. Serious infestations can result in major stem dieback. Fungal diseases may create aesthetic problems on viburnums, but are not life threatening. Downy and powdery mildew sometimes form on crowded plants lacking good air circulation.

A few of the viburnums recommended by the Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden are:

Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) known for its outstanding clove fragrance produces reddish-pink buds that open to white, semi-snowball flowers lasting about two weeks from late April into early May. It can be grown in sun or partial shade. Well-drained soil is a must. This plant's wine-red fall foliage is exceptional, but its red to black berries are often concealed beneath its leaves. This viburnum grows 6-8' tall and 4-6' wide. 'Compactum', a smaller cultivar with darker green leaves, is 3-4' tall and wide at maturity.

The Judd viburnum (Viburnum x juddii) is a hybrid developed from the Koreanspice viburnum. Its foliage is dark and leathery; its flowers are fragrant; and it has an attractive round shape that reaches 6-8' tall. The flowers of this variety open in early May and usually last two weeks. This viburnum produces good wine-red fall foliage and black berries.

Burkwood viburnums (Viburnum x burkwoodii) have glossy foliage and fragrant, outstanding ball-shaped, white flowers. They are 6-8' tall and 4-5' wide.

Doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum) may be the most unique and ornamental viburnum due to its distinctive horizontally tiered habit. These shrubs grow in full sun or partial shade. Winter protection is recommended in northern Illinois. Doublefiles produce 3-4" flowers in May. They have burgundy fall color and reddish-black berries relished by birds. Their height is 6-8' with a 10-12' spread.

The Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) is native to the Midwest. The shape and size of this viburnum distinguish it from its shrubbier cousins. It can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or a rounded tree. Its glossy green, finely-toothed, oval leaves are similar to those of cherry trees. It is tolerant of dry soils. Blackhaws produce purple-red fall foliage and edible blue-black berries that can be used for preserves or jam. Blackhaws are 12-15' tall with a spread of 8-12', but can be larger. Allow them ample room for growth.

Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is an excellent shrub for borders or hedges. It is one of the hardiest and easiest viburnums to grow. This viburnum received its name because Native Americans used its straight stems to make arrows. White, flat-topped flowers bloom May to June, but have no fragrance. Birds particularly favor this viburnum's bluish-purple berries. Its lustrous, large-toothed green leaves turn red in autumn.

Viburnum lantana (Wayfaringtree viburnum) is one of the best viburnums for the Midwest. This species is extremely adaptable to a variety of conditions. It is a multi-stemmed shrub that grows 10-15' tall. The leaves of this viburnum are large, broad and leathery with a rough, sand paper like texture. It forms 5" clusters of creamy-white, non-fragrant flowers in early to mid-May. The berries of this viburnum provide late summer interest. They change from yellow to red to black. Often all three colors appear at one time on the same plant.

Redwing™ American Cranberrybush Viburnum (Viburnum trilobum 'J. N. Select') is recommended as a wonderful screening plant. It is an upright viburnum with deep, wine-red new growth and brilliant cranberry-red fall color. Large clusters of red fruits adorn the plant from fall into winter.