Grow XU

By Walt Bonvell

 

Those fortunate enough to be able to open their office windows or walk across campus this time of year may sense a fragrant smell. Chances are, it’s coming from a member of one of my favorite shrub families, the Viburnums, which number about 150 species. The one in bloom now is Viburnum carlesii—Koreanspice Viburnum. The flowers are round, pink-to-reddish in bud and white when open. The shrub is normally 4-to-5-feet high, but I’ve seen them reach 8-to-10 feet. This Viburnum can be planted along foundations as a hedge, or as a specimen plant near a path or an open window. This particular picture shows a hedge in front of the Gallagher Center. You can also see it as a single plant by the Hinkle breezeway on the main drive side. If you can’t find this cultivar, its relative, Viburnum.x juddii, is another great choice.