Greeting from the my home Foodscape. Spring is moving right along, despite the shelter in place orders sweeping across the US. I am sure you have have noticed that GARDENING IS THE IN THING as we navigate Covid-19. As a result, folks like me are on over drive answering questions, helping people make better gardening decisions, and overall guide people of all experience levels to a successful harvest sooner than later. The famous quote “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” has never seemed more appropriate.
In an effort to balance the information I share, I am trying to write 2 blogs a week. One will feature ornamental horticulture and the other will focus on practical ways to grow food crops. No, I am not on a schedule! As self employed person I go with the flow, so when the inspiration strikes, I will write and publish. And when it is a gorgeous day I will seek mental sanity by staying outside in my garden and NOT BEING ON MY COMPUTER!
Today’s blog is all about the showiest ornamental shrubs in my garden RIGHT NOW> And NO, this is NOT A HYDRANGEA!! I don’t live on mars, I live in Fuquay-Varina, NC USDA Zone 7, and Hydrangeas ARE NOT BLOOMING YET!
However, Viburnum ARE in full, glorious bloom and if you don’t have one, you need to invest in a few right now!!
Viburnum plicatum ‘Popcorn’ is in full glorious bloom on this week of March 2020.
Where are Viburnum from?
If you have spent any time with me, you know that I do not care where a plant is from, but rather focus on what function the plant offers: is it edible, does it clean storm water, is it beneficial to pollinators? For me nativity is not a central focus of a plants value.
However I understand that many people do use this is a bench mark of value. The reality, most of the plants that we cultivate have a broad range of species that are native to many different continents. Viburnum are no exception.
Most of the varieties of Viburnum that are in my collection are native to Asia. DON’T JUDGE ME! I specialized, for many years, producing Asian native woody ornamental plants well suited for southeast gardeners. And before you get too huffy, this category includes most of our southern landscape staples including Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias, Hollies, “Mop head” Hydrangeas, Tea Olives and SO MANY MORE!
There are native Viburnums, such as the “Arrowwood Viburnum” aka Viburnum dentatum. With creamy white clusters of flowers in late spring, this North American native shrub also has blue-black berry-like drupes in the summertime, ripening completely in early fall. And the autumn color is fantastic! This is a large specimen, so plant it where it can reach its mature size of 15’ X 15’. And you can shop for it through the Arbor Day Foundation!
The “berries” (actually drupes) on the native Arrowwod Viburnum ripen in fall.
What is the best location for Viburnum?
Viburnum are a very hardy plants- many species will live in zones 4-9, which is almost the entire US! For best flowering, site them in more sun than shade. I have them planted in various locations, even in shade as a squirrel planted water oak has quickly grown and is converting a full sun border to dry shade. The viburnum in this area continue to thrive and bloom. I do supplement water through dry period, as the water oak hogs all the resources. Generally, once established, Viburnum are very tolerant of seasonal conditions and do not require much tending at all. THEY ARE THE OPPOSITE OF HYDRANGEA IN THAT REGARD!
Watch this YouTube video to learn more about the
Viburnum blooming at my house now!
“Snowball Viburnum “ aka V. macrocephallum is a magnificent sight blooming RIGHT NOW! Note the towering water oak in the background.
VIBURNUMS ARE AWESOME!
And yes, you need them!
In these unprecedented times, everyone needs something that brings you simple joy. I believe Viburnum are exactly what the horticulturist has ordered! Learn everything you would ever need to know from Dr Michael Dirr in his comprehensive guide on the genus Viburnum. BUY HIS BOOK HERE
“With their abundance of flower, handsome foliage, robust constitution, and frequently stunning fruits, viburnums are among the most beautiful and versatile hardy shrubs available to gardeners. Yet despite these outstanding qualities, there has never been an entire volume devoted to them—until now. In this definitive, comprehensive, generously illustrated guide, internationally renowned woody plant expert Michael Dirr provides a wealth of information about every species and cultivar worthy of horticultural consideration. Never one to pull punches, Dirr bestows praise on viburnums that deserve it and is frank in his evaluation of other plants' occasional shortcomings. These finely judged appraisals make it easy for the gardener or designer to choose the right plant for the right situation.
Whether you're a home gardener in search of a four-season shrub; a nursery professional seeking woody plants with proven appeal; or a designer looking for specimens that are both functional and guaranteed to impress clients, Viburnums will acquaint you with a group of plants capable of meeting all these requirements.
Michael Dirr has said that a garden without viburnums is like a life without the pleasures of music and art. After reading just a few pages of this unparalleled work, you're sure to agree.”
Viburnum plicatum ‘Popcorn’ has been blooming for several weeks!
WISHING YOU WELL
As always, I am wishing you well in your garden and beyond. Please stay safe, stay healthy, stay home and enjoy this unusual spring by spending more time than ever with your family in your garden. Grow everything that you love to eat and to look at!
I am here to help you with your gardening journey. Sign up for my newsletter to get up to date information on upcoming webinars.
I have a great 8 part vegetable gardening class available here.
And you can register for a 1 hour Virtual Foodscape Consultation here.
Enjoy this first weekend of April everyone, Brie