April Shrub of the Month-Burkwood Viburnum
Burkwood Viburnum, Viburnum x burkwoodii is what we call a “hybrid” in the plant world. If you aren’t a botanist or horticulturalist, that little “x” in the botanical name is the clue that says “cross” or “hybrid.” Two separate species were combined to create a new plant, not unlike the popular Labradoodle dogs resulting from a Labrador retriever and a poodle. In the case of Burkwood viburnums, the cross is between V. utile and V. carlesii.
The advantage of hybridizing or crossing plants isn’t just to get one named after you (like the English nurserymen and plant hybridizing brothers Albert and Arthur Burkwood.). The whole point is combining traits from two parent plants into one prodigious offspring. Burkwood viburnum combines the fragrant blooms of V. carlesii, the Korean spice viburnum April Shrub of the Month-Korean spice viburnum, and the compact size and evergreen nature of V. utile. The dark green leaves of Burkwood viburnums usually remain on the shrub throughout winter but are shed once the new leaves emerge in spring, so it is sometimes called “Semi-evergreen.”
Burkwoods can still reach 8-10’ high and almost as wide. The fragrant white spring blooms have a pink tint followed by blue, berry-like fruit in Summer. They prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade and most soils. Mature specimens are fairly drought tolerant with few pests or diseases.
‘Mohawk’ is a cultivar with darker, almost red flower buds that open white. It’s more compact and fragrant with notable fall color compared to the straight cross.
‘Conoy’ is even more compact at 4-5’ with red fruit. Both cultivars are commonly found in the trade.
What I love about this plant;
-Fragrant flowers in spring.
-Semi-evergreen nature.
-Showy fruit.
What’s not so great;
-Pubescent leaves can be itchy! Wear gloves when planting or pruning.
-Can be large; give it a room or try the more compact cultivars like ‘Conoy.’
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Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2025, All rights reserved.
