Among the many species of trees and shrubs in the Columbus Park of Roses are the hard-working Viburnum shrubs. While they are a little past their bloom time (May through June), it is worth recognizing the many qualities that make them ideal for any home garden. The CPOR collection includes both native and non-native Viburnums. 

There are more than 150 varieties from which to choose. Overall, they are low-maintenance flowering shrubs. While they prefer full sun, they will tolerate part shade. Their blooms can be flat-topped clusters of white, cream or pink florets, while some resemble hydrangea blooms. Flowers mature into berry-like drupes (a fleshy fruit with a seed). In addition, they provide beautiful fall foliage.

You can find at least six different species of viburnums throughout the CPOR gardens. Among them are Korean Spice and Compactum (both Viburnum carlesii) – the latter pictured here. Both are loved for their spicy fragrance. Also in the garden is the Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum), which is native to eastern North America, growing to ten feet tall with four-inch clusters of white flowers followed by blue berries and fiery fall foliage. Winterthur (Viburnum nudum) is native to wet areas in eastern and southeastern U.S. Winterthur Smooth is a compact cultivar with glossy leaves.

Viburnums are a great shrub for gardeners wanting to support wildlife in their home gardens. Many of the native viburnums host the larvae of the spring azure butterfly and the hummingbird clearwing moth. The flowers draw the attention of many pollinators, including flies, small bees and scarab beetles. The berries are high in lipids, and as such, are an important food source for birds. Finally, the shrubs provide a good habitat for birds to shelter and build nests.