Viburnum Shrubs

Viburnum shrubs offer several looks for a Quebec garden, from round white flower clusters to tiers of horizontal branches. Compare their mature width, light needs and hardiness before choosing a plant for a border, a loose hedge or a privacy screen.

Which viburnum should you choose?

• For round white flower clusters, choose snowball viburnum ‘Roseum’ (Viburnum opulus). Its flowers are sterile, so this cultivar does not produce berries.
• For a spreading shrub with tiered branches, consider ‘Mariesii’ doublefile viburnum. Its white flowers line the branches, which need room to spread.
• For a loose hedge or a shrub screen, compare nannyberry viburnum (Viburnum lentago) and wayfaring tree viburnum (Viburnum lantana). Check their mature width and leave enough space to walk alongside the hedge and maintain it.

For a narrow bed, measure the usable width before you shop. Check the individual plant page for its light, soil and hardiness requirements.