Viburnum burkwoodii Mohawk

The Viburnum x burkwoodii Mohawk is a variety of Burkwood viburnum selected for its more harmonious habit and more colourful flowering, while retaining the qualities that make this bush one of the most fragrant in spring, and one of the most adaptable to many growing conditions. In the garden, it is an imposing bush that is interesting for its elegant semi-evergreen foliage, autumn colours, and generous white and red spring flowering, which has a scent reminiscent of orange blossom.

The Burkwood viburnum is a cross between Viburnum carlesii and V. utile. It is a bush from the caprifoliaceae family. The 'Mohawk' cultivar is a beautiful American creation dating back to 1959. With a rounded and ramified habit, the bush reaches about 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in all directions when fully grown. Its foliage is semi-evergreen, meaning that some leaves fall off in winter. It consists of entire, wide, shiny, strongly puckered leaves, dark green on the front and gray-green on the back. In autumn, they take on flamboyant shades of coppery orange and red, and those that remain attached to the twigs remain decorative in winter. Flowering takes place from late March to early May depending on the region. Numerous inflorescences in balls, 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter, form at the ends of the branches. The very bright red flower buds open into small flowers that change from pink to white, but retain a dark red reverse, creating a lovely gradient of colours that is well highlighted against the dark foliage. A fragrance with notes of jasmine and vanilla rises from the flowers in calm weather. Pollinated by bees, the flowers are followed in September-October by spherical fruits that turn from red to black when ripe, extending their ornamental interest into part of the winter. This fruiting attracts and feeds birds.

Hardy down to -20°C, not demanding in terms of soil, the Viburnum x burkwoodii Mohawk can be planted as a standalone specimen to attract attention in small gardens or as a hedge or shrub massif in larger gardens. Its inflorescences can be used for making bouquets. Consider planting it in a high-traffic area, or near the terrace, to fully enjoy its fragrance, under a window or near a door for example. To accompany it, consider other viburnums, or carefree bushes like lilacs, mock oranges, or butterfly bushes, for example.