What plants go well with viburnum?

Viburnum and Friends: Creating Plant Pairings That Wow

Viburnums! Aren’t they just fantastic? With their different shapes, gorgeous leaves, and those incredible flowers and berries, they’re a real garden workhorse. You can use them as hedges, screens, or just let them shine on their own. But here’s a secret: you can make your viburnum really pop by choosing the right plant partners.

Getting to Know Your Viburnum

Before we dive into the fun stuff – picking plants! – let’s talk about what makes viburnums tick. Generally, they like:

• Sunshine: Most viburnums are sun-lovers, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight. Some, though, like the Blackhaw viburnum, are cool with a bit more shade. If you live somewhere hot, a little afternoon shade can be a lifesaver.
• Soil: They’re not too fussy, viburnums, but well-drained soil that’s full of good stuff is their happy place. Think slightly acidic to neutral – a pH of 6.0-7.0 is perfect.
• Water: Especially when they’re young, viburnums need consistent watering to get their roots established. Once they’re settled, many can handle a bit of drought. But keep an eye on those shallow-rooted types during dry spells.

Viburnum’s Best Buds: Companion Planting Ideas

Okay, now for the exciting part! Knowing what your viburnum needs, you can pick plants that’ll thrive alongside it and make your garden look amazing. Here are some of my favorites:

Shrubs:

• Hydrangeas: These are a classic for a reason! They like the same conditions as viburnums – well-drained soil and a bit of shade. Plus, those big, showy hydrangea blooms look stunning next to the viburnum’s more delicate flowers.
• Rhododendrons and Azaleas: If your soil is a bit acidic, rhodies and azaleas are your go-to. Their bright flowers are a beautiful contrast to the viburnum’s foliage.
• Camellias: Want some winter color? Camellias bloom when everything else is snoozing, setting the stage for the viburnum’s summer show. They also love that acidic soil.
• Weigela: For a real color punch, try Weigela. The ‘Spilled Wine’ variety, with its burgundy leaves and bright pink flowers, looks incredible next to a green viburnum.
• Ninebarks: These are super easy to grow and come in all sorts of colors. I love the ‘Amber Jubilee’ paired with a ‘Cardinal Candy’ viburnum – talk about a showstopper!
• Spireas: Delicate flowers in pink, white, or red – what’s not to love? Spireas offer clustered flowers that complement the showy blooms of Weigelas.
• Lilacs: Who can resist the fragrance of lilacs? They’re a classic pairing with viburnums, sharing similar needs and creating a beautiful, old-fashioned feel.
• Red Twig Dogwood: Those bright red stems add a pop of color in the winter, creating a great contrast with the viburnum’s shape.
• Barberry: For some deep burgundy foliage, Japanese barberry is a good choice. The ‘Rose Glow’ variety, with its pink and white leaves, is especially pretty. Just be careful – barberries can be invasive in some areas.
• Thuja: Pairing deciduous viburnums with evergreens elevates borders. Thuja, or arborvitae, is an easy-to-grow evergreen that tolerates cold winters.

Perennials:

• Hostas: If your viburnum is in a shady spot, hostas are your friend. Their big leaves create a lush contrast to the viburnum’s foliage.
• Ferns: For a touch of elegance and a woodland vibe, you can’t beat ferns. They look amazing in shady spots.
• Coral Bells (Heucheras): These come in so many colors – green, purple, silver – and they all look great next to viburnums.
• Astilbes: Soft, airy flowers and fern-like leaves – astilbes bring a touch of romance to the garden. They love moist, shady spots.
• Daylilies: Those vibrant, long-lasting blooms are a perfect match for the viburnum’s more subtle tones.
• Shasta Daisies, Black-Eyed Susans, and Echinacea: For a more relaxed, meadow-like feel, these perennials are perfect. They love the sun and look great with viburnums.
• Ornamental Grasses: Tall ornamental grasses with flowing fountain shapes contrast with the more compact and horizontal branches of evergreen viburnums.

Groundcovers:

• Pachysandra: This is an excellent ground cover choice for planting beneath viburnums . Its dense, evergreen foliage creates a lush, green carpet that suppresses weeds and complements the viburnum’s structure .
• Bunchberry Dogwood: This shade-loving ground cover adds new textures and shapes to your garden and contrasts beautifully with most varieties of viburnums .

Vines:

• Clematis: Want to add some height? Clematis vines look stunning climbing through viburnum branches.

Design Tips for Success

When you’re choosing companion plants, keep these things in mind:

• Contrast is Key: Mix things up with different leaf textures, flower colors, and shapes.
• Color Harmony: Pick colors that either complement or contrast the viburnum’s flowers and berries.
• Year-Round Interest: Choose plants that look good in all seasons – evergreens, plants with colorful fall leaves, or interesting winter bark.
• Size Matters: Make sure your companion plants won’t take over and crowd out your viburnum.

Go Native!

Whenever you can, choose native plants. They’re adapted to your local conditions and provide food and shelter for local wildlife.

By choosing the right companions, you can create a garden that not only looks beautiful but also supports a healthy ecosystem. Happy planting!