Viburnum is a robust and reliable shrub that’s often valued for its winter interest, producing masses of pretty blossom in midwinter when there is little else in flower in the garden. Other varieties flower for long periods in summer, and many also have stunning autumn colour, as the leaves change from green to shades of copper and orange. Thriving best in well-drained, fertile soil, in full sun or partial shade, Viburnum is fully hardy and generally low maintenance. It suits a wide range of garden settings, and is ideal for framing mixed borders or naturalistic woodland garden schemes. The sweetly-scented flowers are valuable to early pollinators, while the berries provide an important food source for birds, making Viburnum a must-have addition to wildlife gardens.

How to plant

— Plant Viburnum bare roots in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery. Bare root plants require moisture and light soon after delivery. If you can't plant on the day of delivery, remove from the packaging and place the root in a bucket of water outside so it can soak, then plant within a week.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. In a well-cultivated border, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots so that they will be fully submerged after planting. The stem and branches should remain above the soil surface after planting. Ensure the hole is the correct depth so that the soil is level with the point at which the roots meet the stem.

— Improve the growing conditions in the immediate area by digging in some organic matter like compost or leaf mould to the planting hole, this soft medium and boost of nutrients will help the roots settle in and grow. Avoid adding too much organic matter or manure to the planting hole as this can be too rich and damage the new roots.

— Position the shrub in the hole with the most attractive side facing into the garden. When the shrub is in place, backfill the hole and firm down. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and hydrate the plant.

— If you have particularly challenging growing conditions/poor soil (heavy clay or light sandy soil) or if the border isn't ready for planting, you can pot up your bare root shrub so it can grow on and establish before transferring into a border later in the year. Pot up the bare root into a 20-30cm temporary pot using multipurpose or soil based compost. Ensure the roots are fully submerged and the stem is exposed above the soil surface. Water thoroughly and allow it to grow-on in a sheltered position outside. They can be transplanted to borders once growth is established and the plant easily comes out of the pot with the soil held intact in a root ball.

— When planting into the garden, choose a position in full sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil.

— This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. The bare branches will b adorned with fragrant flowers in winter. It is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.

— Water immediately after planting and continue regularly for the first year while the shrub settles in. Once established, watering should only be necessary in particularly dry spells.

Aftercare

— Viburnum is supplied in a dormant state and will not usually have any leaves on arrival. Leaves will emerge in spring from around March/April.

— Keep the surrounding soil consistently moist, but well-drained. In dry spells it is better to give a good, deep watering less often, than a light sprinkle frequently.

— Prune winter-flowering Viburnum soon after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage even branching. Cut back stems to an outward-facing bud. Remmove any dead or dying branches and stems each winter.

— Apply a mulch of organic matter in winter or spring to feed the shrub and help retain moisture in the soil.

— To rejuvenate old or neglected shrubs, up to a third of old stems can be cut down to the base. Viburnum flower on stems that are at least two years old, so leave enough stems in place to give a good flowering display.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs