With the possible exception of Rhododendron, no genus offers as many attractive and useful shrubs as this one. Viburnums prefer rich, evenly moist, slightly acid soil and generally flower most abundantly in full sun. They offer just about anything you could want in a shrub, from profuse bloom to handsome foliage to colorful fruits to fall color.

CULTURE: Full sun (grow in partial shade in the South and warm inland areas of the West); rich, well-drained, evenly moist, and slightly acidic soil. Viburnums do not tolerate drought well. Space 5 to 8 feet apart, depending on variety. Growth habit varies among species: V. opulus 'Compactum' (European Cranberry Bush) is round-topped, fairly dense; V. plicatum tomentosum has tiers of horizontal branches and may be slightly wider than tall; V. trilobum 'Wentworth' is more upright.

GROWTH: Plants usually need 3-5 years to start blooming and fruiting. Medium growth rate of 12-24" a year, depending on growing conditions.

SUGGESTED USE: Screening, informal hedge, native plantings, or mixed perennial and shrub borders.

PRUNING: Prune as necessary after plants bloom in spring. Be aware that pruning will reduce the fruit production of V. trilobum 'Wentworth'.