Shrubs can get a bad press, they’re labelled as a bit dull, but as the dramatic plants and flowers come and go, it’s good to have some shapely shrubs that give permanence to a garden and hold the picture together.
One of my favourites for the role is Viburnum davidii, it has a strong, dome-shaped outline that makes a perfect contrast against the more willowy shapes of grasses and softer plants.
This is a shrub that can easily be taken for granted, it’s reliable, not difficult to grow and looks effortlessly good in a non-showy kind of way.
Clusters of white flowers appear in early summer, followed by shiny metallic purple-blue berries in winter held on deep, red stems.
Vital statistics:
It eventually reaches 1m high x 1.5m across.
It’s quite obliging and not fussy about soil type, sun or shade, but please don’t take it for granted because it’s a bit of a super -star, in its’ own quiet way.
It’s a good time to plant shrubs now, as long as the soil isn’t soggy, wet or frozen.
Happy gardening
Jill
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