Viburnum cylindricum

Viburnum cylindricum forms a beautiful bushy shrub that can reach 3m in all directions and is appreciated for its unique foliage. Its drooping leaves are covered in a waxy film that turns grey and gives the whole plant a dark bluish-green colour. From June, flat corymbs of tubular white flowers with lilac anthers appear, followed by ovoid red fruits that turn black. This tubular flowered viburnum will find its place as a specimen plant, in a border, or in a hedge. It is an easy and hardy shrub that requires little care and appreciates moist and well-drained soil, preferably non-calcareous.

From the family Caprifoliaceae or Viburnaceae according to classifications, the Viburnum genus includes numerous species of deciduous or evergreen Viburnums, with more or less fragrant flowering. Viburnum cylindricum, also known as Viburnum coriaceum, is native to Southeast Asia, particularly China and the Himalayas. It is distinguished by its leaves covered in a waxy layer that gives it a bluish-green appearance and by its tubular flowers grouped in flat corymbs, which gave it the name "cylindricum". This tubular-flowered viburnum forms a beautiful rounded bush with evergreen foliage. Its leaves are carried by warty branches. They vary in shape depending on their age. They are toothed when young and become entire when mature. Generally long and pointed, they are often drooping. They are covered in a waxy layer that gives the foliage a silvery sheen. It is said that the Chinese used them to transmit messages, as they can be written on. From June to August, flat inflorescences measuring 8 to 15 cm in diameter form, consisting of tubular white flowers with violet anthers. They are slightly fragrant. They are followed by red berries that turn black.

In the garden, this evergreen viburnum will thrive in full sun or partial shade in damp to moist, well-drained soil that is ideally non-calcareous. This adaptable plant requires little care. It can be used as a standalone specimen to highlight its unique foliage, in the back of a border, or in a diverse and informal hedge. It is hardy but it may occasionally lose its foliage when temperatures drop below -15°C. Its flowering attracts pollinating insects and its fruits are enjoyed by birds.