Viburnum furcatum - Forked viburnum

Viburnum furcatum, commonly known as the forked viburnum, is the champion of viburnums with decorative foliage. It is a large deciduous bush that bears enormous round leaves with prominent veins that take on fantastic autumnal hues. Its tiered branches, large white inflorescences resembling those of flat-headed hydrangeas, and small red fruits are also admired. This species, native to the mountains of China, thrives in partial shade, in a rich humus soil that stays moist in summer but not excessively wet in winter.

Viburnum furcatum belongs to the Viburnaceae or Adoxaceae family, depending on the classification. It is a beautiful botanical species originating from the mountains of Sichuan and Yunnan in China. In the wild, this bush grows at altitudes between 1,800 and 3,000 metres, in moist and humid climates. Discovered by botanist Jean-Marie Delavay in the 20th century, this viburnum was introduced to Europe in the 1900s. It won the Award of Garden Merit (A.G.M) from the Royal Horticultural Society. At maturity, this bush reaches approximately 4 metres in height and width and presents an architectural, tiered structure. In spring, the leaves are velvety and whitish, then coppery. They are large, almost round leaves that can reach 15 cm in length, with a bronze-green colour that turns yellow, orange, and then scarlet red in autumn before falling. The white flowers, arranged in flat inflorescences, appear in April-May at the end of the branches. Each flower consists of small fertile flowers surrounded by large sterile flowers, similar to lacecap hydrangeas. They emit a pleasant fragrance and are followed by the formation of red berries that turn black when ripe.

Viburnum furcatum is a rare viburnum, highly sought after by collectors. However, this marvel has some requirements and will not thrive just anywhere. Consider its future dimensions before planting it in your garden. It pairs well with other plants that have similar soil and exposure needs, such as Hydrangea macrophylla, Japanese maples, Cornus kousa, and Fothergilla major, for example. Together, these plants create harmonious compositions, rich in textures and colours, particularly attractive in autumn.