Viburnum

I have a number of different types of Viburnum in my garden. One has bloomed already but the other 3 are in full bloom now.

Viburnum opulus (Snowball Bush) is a large shrub growing at least 10' by 10'. It is hardy to Zone 3. It's extremely versatile - it will grow in pretty much any type of soil and doesn't mind sun or part shade.

The flower heads are dense but not fragrant. When the blossoms start to fall apart, it looks like there's confetti on the ground.

Very close by the V. opulus, I have Viburnum plicatum 'Popcorn' (Japanese Snowball). This shrub has nearly identical flowerheads, but is much smaller in size growing 5-8' high and 4-7' wide. It grows Zones 5-8.  'Popcorn' has strongly veined leaves which has, no doubt, prevented it from succumbing to a rotten little insect - the Viburnum Leaf beetle - which has eaten all the leaves from opulus in years past.

Doublefile Viburnum - Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Mariesii' - is one of the loveliest shrubs in my garden.

It produces white blossoms in May and obviously survives in deep shade (which is where mine is) but prefers sun to partial shade. The neatest part of this plant is that flowers bloom on distinct tiered horizontal branches. The leaves turn a lovely burgundy colour in the fall. Its a Zone 5-8 and grows 10-12' high and 12-15' wide.

The last Viburnum that I'd like to mention is the one that actually bloomed first! Viburnum x burkwoodii already bloomed in early May and is done.

Viburnum x burkwoodii grows well in full sun, Zones 4-8 and at full size is 8-10' high and 6-7' wide.
It is gorgeously fragrant and definitely one of the first delicious scents of spring.

Please check my food blog which features The (nearly perfect) Burger….:) Try it during BBQ season!