Viburnum lantana Mohican

Viburnum lantana 'Mohican' is simply a compact form of our native wayfaring tree, therefore better suited to small spaces. This variety possesses all the beautiful qualities of its larger sister, appreciated in country settings. Recognizable by its woolly young shoots, this wayfaring tree is a deciduous dense bush of medium size, adorned with foliage that ignites in autumn. The round heads of white-cream flowers bloom generously in spring with a pleasant fragrance, and then give way to ornamental fruiting. Sometimes considered a bit dull in comparison to its Asian cousins, this wayfaring tree on the other hand has a robust temperament, an excellent adaptation to our climate as well as a great tolerance to our limestone soils. 

Originally from central and southern Europe, western Asia and North Africa, Viburnum lantana is known by different names depending on the region, such as lantane, wayfaring tree or cochène. It is a deciduous bush that grows in light woods and thickets, often on limestone soil at altitudes below 1600m (5249ft). The 'Mohican' cultivar has a more compact habit and smaller dimensions than the species, not exceeding 2m (6 in 7ft) in height by 2.25m (7ft 5in) in spread. The abundant flowering from April to June occurs at the tips of one-year-old branches. The round and flattened clusters, measuring 4 to 10cm (1.6 - 3.9 inches) in diameter, are composed of 5mm (0.2in) white flowers with prominent yellow stamens. This fragrant flowering is followed by an unusual cluster fruiting, which can be enjoyed from September to December. The fruits are spherical, measuring 8mm (0.3in) in diameter, and successively change colour from pink to red and then black when ripe. They attract birds, which will brighten up the shortest and gloomiest days of the year. The foliage, deciduous, grey-green at budbreak and then darker, stands out well from the flowers. The large, drooping, thick and rough leaves are ovate and finely toothed, with the underside covered in fuzz. Each leaf measures up to 10cm (3.9in) in length and 6cm (2.4in) in width. The autumn colours, often splendid, vary from year to year and are likely dependent on climatic conditions and soil nature. The young, woolly-looking branches are flexible and covered in small star-shaped hairs, which gradually turn grey over time.

Hardy well beyond -15°C, Viburnum lantana 'Mohican' adapts to many growing conditions, across a wide geographic range. It can be used as a standalone plant, in informal hedges, in flower beds or in groves. Plant it in a high-traffic area to fully enjoy its fragrance (under a window or next to a door, for example). This variety, better suited to smaller gardens, allows for the creation of a very pleasant country atmosphere in the company of other native plants such as medlars, spindle trees, hazels, blackthorns as well as some perennials from the same field of plants: viper's bugloss, teasels, valerians, mulleins ...