The viburnum clan contains several excellent shrubs for the small property. Among these is the linden viburnum, so named because the leaves are somewhat the same size and shape as those of the linden tree.
This viburnum is a native of China and Japan, where it is a highly prized garden plant.
Nearly half of the better ornamental woody plants in our American gardens originally come from China and Japan, and it is interesting to note that this one, at least, is as highly valued as an ornamental in its native land as it is here.
Most viburnums are not particular about the kind of soil in which they grow, and this one is no exception.
It does well in acid or alkaline soils, but, like most other plants, the more organic material present in the roots, the better it will grow and fruit.
The linden viburnum is perfectly hardy from Boston to Cleveland southward but may have to be grown in protected places in the Chicago area.
Like many other plants, it responds well to a normal moisture supply, and if the ground in which it is planted is given the minimum amount of attention required of any good garden soil, the linden viburnum should continue to thrive year after year.
Viburnum Noteworthy Appearance
In appearance, it is a densely rounded bush that may eventually grow 9’ feet tall, but it is usually seen at a height below eye level.
The flowers are very small, about ¼” inch in diameter, but they are borne in large 3” to 5” inches clusters that are very conspicuous.
These clusters are a creamy white color. All are flat and produced promiscuously about the plant so that it always appears covered with flowers in late May or early June.
Producing Fruits
Each of these individual flowers eventually produces a small red fruit about 1” inch long.
The clusters of these fruits make the plant an excellent ornamental, for, by early September, they begin to turn a bright red color visible from quite a distance.
These fruits do not fall off as soon as they are ripe like the fruits of Siehold’s viburnum. but remain on the plant for many weeks, sometimes all winter.
There is a yellow fruiting variety, but it is unfortunately almost impossible to find a commercial nurseryman who grows it.
No better than the red-fruited form, it is merely used in combination with it for special fall displays.
Varying Heights
The autumn color of the foliage is a russet red, not brilliant but distinguishable as a good autumn color.
The linden viburnum must certainly have been in this country for nearly a century, yet it is not well known today.
The taller-growing American highbush cranberry, Viburnum American, and its European counterpart, Viburnum opulus, are more common, probably because they are larger shrubs with more conspicuous flowers and larger fruits.
However, the linden viburnum makes a much lower and denser plant, especially well suited to growing in a small place.
Taller viburnums are needed, especially where background material is wanted.
Still, this plant makes an excellent specimen by itself, or it can be used to its advantage in front of the shrub border, where it will quickly show off its good qualities.
Generally Pest-Resistant
Most viburnums are not affected by serious insect or disease pests. As far as I know, the linden viburnum has none.
The twigs and leaves are slightly pubescent, and these hairs seem stiff enough to discourage insects, especially the plant lice, which sometimes seriously infest the European snowball Viburnum opulus Roseum plants.
Propagation
Seeds or cuttings easily accomplish propagation. Either hardwood or softwood cuttings can be used.
If one works with one of the newly recommended little propagating outfits using polyethylene film as a covering for medium and cuttings alike, rooting should not be difficult.
So, given plenty of sunshine and good soil to grow, this splendid oriental viburnum should bring color into the garden several times each year.
And still, it is in the “low maintenance” group of shrubs which are fast becoming so popular!
NOTE: Some have reported the linden Viburnum as invasive in natural areas in Virginia.
44659 by Donald Wyman