With big and bold round white clusters of flowers hanging from the branches in May and June, it's understandable that this magnificent shrub should be known as the Snowball Tree. The leaves of Viburnum opulus turn to shades of red and purple in autumn, making a wonderful display alongside vibrant red berries which are loved by the birds. This shrub thrives in sun or full shade, is easy to grow and maintain. Height and spread: 4m (13').
Perfect for winter colour, Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' produces a profusion of beautiful pink, perfumed flowers on woody stems in the middle of winter.
For a shrub that provides winter interest in the garden, Viburnum tinus is hard to beat. From December until April the bush is filled with scented white flowers, that are then followed by dark blue-black fruit.
You might know Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum by its more common name, Japanese Snowball Bush. It's easy to see where this name comes from when, in May and June, the plant bears impressive, white flowers. However, this hardy shrub is perhaps most famous for its tiered foliage. Its green, heart-shaped leaves look lovely at the back of sunny borders throughout the summer, but come into their own in the autumn when they turn spectacular shades of red and purple. Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum is therefore a great addition to cottage, woodland and wildlife gardens in need of some added, late season interest. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 2m (8').