Care of the shrub Viburnum utile or Service Viburnum |
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The genus Viburnum, family Adoxaceae, includes 200 species of trees and shrubs native to the Northern Hemisphere, South America and the island of Java. Some species are: Viburnum utile, Viburnum suspensum, Viburnum rigidum, Viburnum rhytidophyllum, Viburnum opulus, Viburnum lantana, Viburnum davidii, Viburnum tomentosum, Viburnum tinus, Viburnum awabuki. Common name: Service Viburnum, Quick Snowball. This species is native to central China. They are evergreen bushes of disorderly bearing that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are ovate, up to 7 cm (2.75") long and shiny dark green. The scented white flowers appear in umbels up to 7 cm (2.75") in diameter. They bloom in spring. The decorative fruits are bluish-black. Service Viburnum is used on edges, in light undergrowth, as isolated specimens, in shrubby groups and in pots for patios and terraces. Viburnum utile grows in full sun and light shade exposures. Frost resistant up to -17 ºC (1.4 ºF). It has good resistance to Mediterranean heat. Quick Snowball prefers well-drained soils containing organic matter but will also grows on poorer or slightly clayey soils. Water regularly so that the substrate does not dry out completely. Service Viburnum does not resist drought. Fertilize with organic matter (manure or compost) at the end of winter. Prune in late winter to maintain a rounded shape. Viburnum utile is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Quick Snowball is propagated from seeds sown in the nursery in spring or autumn and by cuttings in summer. |
Images of the shrub Viburnum utile or Service Viburnum |
 Viburnum utile  Viburnum utile |