A National Plant Collection of Viburnum

A favourite among gardeners, viburnums are valued for their ease of cultivation, adaptability and ornamental appeal. Many are richly scented, providing fragrance in spring and early summer, while their nectar

Sweet liquid mainly produced by flowers to attract pollinators. Honeybees make honey from nectar.

rich flowers attract pollinators. Later in the year, many varieties produce attractive berries, adding colour and interest well into autumn and winter. 

The collection at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex consists of 5 species and 23 cultivars, and is a joy to see all year round.

Why grow viburnums? 

Viburnums are among the most useful shrubs for garden settings. They are generally low maintenance, require only minimal pruning and are adaptable to a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. This combination of reliability and beauty has made them a longstanding favourite with gardeners. 

Propagation and care 

Most viburnums can be propagated successfully from semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings

Hardwood cuttings are taken from mid-autumn until late winter from vigorous healthy shoots of the current year's growth - this will be woody but pliable. Use for deciduous climbers, shrubs, trees (including fruit) and some evergreens such as hollies.

. Once established, they require relatively little attention and reward gardeners with dependable seasonal displays. 

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'

Viburnums and climate change 

Many viburnums have shown good resilience in changing conditions. Native

A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.

species such as Viburnum opulus continue to perform well, although they can be susceptible to viburnum beetle. Some varieties, particularly those within the Viburnum plicatum group, have found recent hot, dry summers more challenging, especially while becoming established, due to their shallower, fibrous root systems. 

Curator's favourites 

One of my favourite viburnums is the Viburnum carlesii group, including cultivars such as 'Aurora' and 'Diana'. Their outstanding fragrance in early summer makes them particularly memorable. These plants have also contributed to the development of numerous popular hybrids, including Viburnum × burkwoodii, Viburnum × carcephalum 'Cayuga' and Viburnum × juddii. 

Viburnum carlesii 'Aurora'

A hidden gem 

Among the plants in the collection, another highlight is Viburnum dilatatum 'Asian Beauty', a cultivar

Gardeners often use the word variety when referring to a specific plant, but the correct botanical term is 'cultivar'. Whichever word you use, it means a distinctive plant or plants, given a specific cultivar name and usually bred to enhance certain characteristics, such as flower or fruit size, colour, flavour or fragrance, plant size, hardiness, disease resistance, etc. Additionally, it is worth knowing that, botanically, variety has another meaning - it refers to a naturally-occurring distinct plant that only has slight differences in its looks. For example, Malva alcea var. fastigiata differs from typical plants by having an upright habit.

that deserves wider recognition. Although currently unavailable in the trade, it is admired for its creamy white spring flowers, masses of brilliant red fruits in autumn and winter, and striking seasonal foliage, with red-tinted new growth and vibrant autumn colour. 

The collection continues to grow, with new cultivars always being sought to expand and strengthen this important record of the genus. Through its breadth and diversity, the RHS National Plant Collection of Viburnum helps celebrate and conserve one of the garden's most rewarding groups of ornamental shrubs.