Plants & Profits: Viburnum

Suggest Viburnum when customers ask for . . .

• A large specimen to anchor a perennial garden
• A shrub that attracts wildlife (birds find this plant’s fruit irresistible)
• A small-statured tree for an urban garden
• A plant that offers multiple seasons of interest

{The story}
Viburnum—with its floral display, usually followed by a magnificent show of fruit—should have a place on everyone’s “must have” list. Most often they are shrubs or small trees that prefer full sun but can adapt to shade. They’re not overly fussy about their soil conditions. Many exhibit excellent drought tolerance once established. They are extremely easy to grow and will reward any gardener who uses them as a specimen or background plant. This is an excellent shrub for providing the “bones” of a perennial border or as a trellis for clematis to climb through. Culture and history information courtesy of Plant Publicity Holland. Read more at www.PerennialandNurseryNews.com

Display and marketing possibilities

• Include Viburnum in a display of plants suitable for creating a backyard-wildlife habitat
• Make Viburnum part of a “new home” landscape package
• Cross merchandise with clematis. Viburnum makes an ideal natural trellis for this vine.
• Display photos of mature specimens taken in spring, summer and fall to show the three-season interest Viburnum provides.