Viburnum odoratissimum Coppertop

Viburnum odoratissimum Coppertop 'Brant 01' is an evergreen bush with glossy, vibrant green foliage that emerges in beautiful coppery-red tones. In spring, it is covered with small, highly fragrant, white flowering clusters. This bush will grow in any good, moderately moist garden soil, in full sun or partial shade. It can be used as a hedge, but it is sensitive to cold drafts.

Viburnum odoratissimum, known as fragrant viburnum, is native to the small Himalayan mountains. It belongs to the Viburnaceae family, which includes highly ornamental bushes such as the Snowball Bush (Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'), Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), and the Chinese Snowball Bush (Viburnum plicatum). This species is no exception: it is a large bush with elongated, shiny, evergreen leaves of a beautiful vibrant green colour, which often turn dazzling shades of orange in autumn. Between May and June, it produces an abundance of delightfully fragrant flowers that turn creamy white, attracting many insects.

Coppertop is characterised by its spectacular young shoots that are red to coppery orange, and its compact habit. It will form an oval and dense bush about 3m (10ft) tall and 2m (7ft) wide.

Not demanding, the Coppertop Viburnum will grow in full sun or partial shade in any good garden soil, that is not too chalky or dry, although it can tolerate occasional drought once established. It is reasonably hardy, down to -10 to -12°C (14 to 10.4°F). However, it dislikes cold winds: its leaves will quickly get damaged if placed in an exposed location. Choose a protected environment, for example, behind a wall. It otherwise requires no maintenance, but you can optionally carry out light pruning after flowering to encourage the growth of new, colourful shoots.

Beautiful as a standalone plant, its compact habit also makes it well-suited for informal hedges. Pair it with Deutzia crenata, Choisya ternata 'Goldfinger', Cornus sanguinea 'Magic Flame', or even other viburnums such as Viburnum opulus 'Compactum', Viburnum burkwoodii, or Viburnum 'Pragense'.

For a play of colours and shapes, plant Photinia 'Chico' nearby, whose young shoots are also coppery, but it is much smaller (1m (3ft)).