Viburnum globosum Jermyns Globe

Viburnum x globosum 'Jermyns Globe' is a hybrid variety of viburnum obtained in England in 1964. It has a beautiful evergreen foliage that resembles its parent, David's viburnum, with dark green and glossy leaves. It is distinguished by a more upright habit and forms a large, nicely rounded bush with dense vegetation. Its foliage highlights its long spring to summer flowering in white and delicate corymbs, followed by small metallic blue-black fruits that persist well into autumn. This easy-to-grow shrub will easily integrate into any garden, contributing to the overall structure along with other evergreens. 

The hybrid viburnum 'Jermyns Globe' is a cross between Viburnum davidii and V. calvum, a much lesser-known Chinese species. This plant, formerly classified as part of the Caprifoliaceae family, now belongs to the Adoxaceae family, just like elderberries. It is a dioecious shrub, with distinct male and female individuals, with only the female plants producing fruits in the presence of male plants. The 'Jermyns Globe' cultivar, with its bushy and rounded habit, grows at a moderate pace and will reach an average size of 2.25 metres (7 feet 5 inches) in all directions. The dense and evergreen foliage is perhaps its main asset: its tough, ovate leaves are a beautiful dark green with a glossy finish, displaying three veins that meet on a red petiole. In cold weather, they often take on beautiful purple hues that match the branches. The remarkably extended flowering period starts in May-June, with sporadic blooms continuing until July-August, and sometimes even in autumn. The flowers, arranged in loose and flattened clusters measuring 2 to 6 centimetres (0.8 to 2.4 inches) in diameter, are white. The subsequent fruiting is quite unique and will persist on the branches at least until October. The small blue-black fruits, carried on reddish peduncles, are not edible. 

The hardiness of Viburnum x globosum 'Jermyns Globe' (- 15 °C maximum) prevents it from being planted in the most continental regions. Everywhere else, it thrives in sunny or partially shaded locations, although it can tolerate shade. It is less demanding in terms of soil than David's viburnum and accepts the presence of limestone. Several shrubs need to be planted for fruiting to occur. It can be used as a standalone plant or in a mass planting. Its foliage, with its strong presence, enhances the accompanying flowering plants. It is perfect for creating a permanent structure in the garden. Its dark foliage creates interesting contrasts with shrubs with grey foliage (Artemisia ludoviciana, Buddleia 'Silver Anniversary', Gomphostigma virgatum 'White Candy'), bluish foliage (Eucalyptus gunii), yellow foliage (Phyllostachys aurea, Sambucus nigra 'Golden Tower'), or even the variegated pink foliage of the shrimp Willow. In slightly acidic soil, it can be combined, for example, with Japanese Euonymus, hydrangeas, variegated cornus, Andromedas, or Japanese maples, which thrive in similar environments.