Viburnum nudum (v.lentago) 'PINK BEAUTY' smooth witherod

Smooth witherod has many names (Possumhaw, Withe-rod, Swamp Haw, Possum Haw Viburnum, Possum Haw). They are all for one shrub which is attractive mostly for its highly glossy foliage as well as autumn berries. The species bears dark purple blue fruit while this variety called Pink Beauty offers a different colour.

Pink Beauty is a lovely variety of smooth witherod. It is a deciduous shrub growing freely into a compact habit, reaching about 3 meters in maturity. In mid to late spring it makes flattened cymes of small white flowers which are fragrant for some and disagreeable for others. They are followed by plenty of rich pink berries in late summer, turning sloe-blue in late autumn and winter. Leaves are rather large, 8-10 cm long, oval with a pointed tip, very glossy, and mid green. In early autumn they gain carmine red hues, and later change to highly attractive purple red and burgundy red in various depths, keeping their gloss. Coloured leaves remain on the plant for a long period of time.

It can be pruned or shaped in any way. The best time to cut it is after flowering (i.e. in June): either trim current year’s growth to achieve a desired shape, or cut it back to about 30 cm above soil level for rejuvenating. Beware that you will remove tips with spent flowers therefore no berries will show up in autumn.

Viburnums are not specific about soil needs. This one, however, comes from boggy and swamp lands of SE and East of USA so it will like similar conditions also in the garden. The soil should be reasonably fertile and if not swamp then at least kept evenly moist for a few months after planting. Grow it in full sun or partial shade. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 27-01-2016