I remember snowball trees as a kid growing up in Auckland. Having never been to the snow, they were the closest I got to the real thing! Ironically, snowball trees are one of the most common viburnums grown in the north. Most prefer cooler regions and are a regular sight to behold during spring garden festivals, when several varieties are at the peak of their flowering. Some gardeners may consider viburnums a little old-fashioned, but they do have their merits.

Viburnums are loved the world over for their handsome foliage and spectacular winter and spring flowers. They are relatively undemanding and grow happily in sun or shade – preferring more shade in warmer areas. Most are frost-hardy and they grow in any reasonable soil so long as it is well drained. However, best results are obtained in rich, loamy soils. Drought is their main enemy, so regular summer watering and thick mulch are essential to protect their fibrous root system from drying out. They require little maintenance apart from spring feeding with slow-release fertiliser and the odd trim if required. Viburnums partner well with rhododendrons, daphne, pieris and azaleas, which like much the same conditions.

Viburnums are a versatile bunch, ranging in size from 75cm to around 3m high. The smallest and neatest-growing, David’s viburnum, is an excellent knee-high ground cover for mass planting on a semi-shaded bank, under the dappled shade of deciduous trees or as a feature plant in an entrance garden. Its dark green, deeply grooved, evergreen foliage provides a good foil for vivid azaleas and rhododendrons or contrast for variegated hostas and brunnera.

Larger-growing viburnums are perfect filler plants for the rear of a deep border or shrubbery. Evergreens are useful as structural planting and laurustinus (V tinus) is a popular hedging and topiary plant. Large deciduous types are useful in a mixed border where their bare winter frames will allow winter sunlight to penetrate the garden. The doublefile viburnums (Viburnum plicatum varieties including Mariesii and Lanarth) have a distinctive horizontal branching pattern and should be given pride of place as a feature plant, or to frame a focal point or entrance way.

Berries and fragrance are the other attributes that place viburnums high on the list of popular flowering shrubs. Many varieties are prolific producers of autumn and winter berries. Most have red berries, while others such as David’s viburnum produce the most amazing electric-blue berries. All are excellent for picking. If you opt for a fragrant variety, be sure to plant it where you can catch a waft as you pass by – and where you can easily reach the blooms to pick for indoors!

SELECTING A VIBURNUM

It pays to select viburnums by their botanical name to ensure you get the right one! Improved varieties of some species are also available.

GROWING GUIDE

Frost-hardy and prefer cool climates

Intolerant of drought – keep moist during dry spells.

Plant in sun or semi-shade (especially in warmer areas).

Prefer rich, loamy, well-drained soil.

Grow several in the same area for better berry production.

Prune evergreens lightly in late spring.

Prune deciduous types by removing old stems at the base after flowering.