Viburnum × burkwoodii
Burkwood viburnum is a strongly fragrant spring‑flowering shrub for hedges and foundations. Pinkish white clusters open in mid spring and perfume the garden. Plants grow about 8 to 10 ft tall with a narrower spread and dense branching. Foliage can persist in warm zones and often colors maroon in fall. It grows in full sun to part shade and adapts to average, well‑drained soils. The hybrid offers dependable bloom and some drought tolerance once established.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: deciduous shrub; Burkwood hybrid
- Height × spread: 8–10 ft × 6–7 ft (2.4–3.0 m × 1.8–2.1 m)
- Bloom window: April
- Color & flower form: pinkish white flat cymes 2–4 in (5–10 cm)
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 4–8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Burkwood brothers, unknown, United Kingdom
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Fragrance is among the strongest in the genus.
- Semi‑evergreen foliage in warm zones extends season of interest.
- Fruit display is modest compared with fruiting species.
- Drought tolerance is better than many viburnums once roots are deep.
- Moderate height suits screening without overwhelming small lots.
Strengths
- Strong, sweet fragrance in mid spring.
- Adaptable to average garden soils.
- Tolerates summer dry spells after establishment.
- Often shows good fall color.
- Attracts birds and butterflies.
Care in one minute
- Plant in full sun to part shade.
- Provide average, well‑drained soil; water to establish, then during extended dry weather.
- Prune after bloom; remove several oldest stems to renew.
- Light spring feed only if growth is weak.
- Mulch 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.5 cm).
Watch‑outs
- Viburnum crown borer can cause dieback on stressed plants.
- Best scent develops with full sun exposure.
- Fruit is not especially showy.
- Usually less susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle than snowball and arrowwood types, but monitor in infested regions.
Best uses (tags)
hedges, foundations, specimen, scent‑garden, borders
Provenance note
A garden hybrid between Viburnum utile and Viburnum carlesii raised by the Burkwood brothers in England.
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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