Viburnum rhytidophyllum

Viburnum rhytidophyllum, also known as the Wrinkled-leaved Viburnum, is a large evergreen bush, named after the uniquely wrinkled appearance of its long oval leaves, which give it its distinctive character. Its large wavy and pendulous dark green and glossy leaves are velvety grey on the underside. They provide a beautiful setting for its spring flowering, which blooms in large flat cream-white corymbs. The fruiting is also quite decorative, in the form of small red then black berries when ripe, with both colours often present on the same plant. Easy to grow in the sun, in ordinary soil, even limestone, but deep and moist. Viburnums are easy-going bushes that integrate well into informal hedges, mixing different species or combining them with other flowering shrubs.

Viburnum rhytidophyllum belongs to the Viburnaceae family, which includes many species of deciduous or evergreen Viburnums, with occasionally fragrant flowering. It originates from central-west China and has been used in European parks and gardens for a long time due to its fast growth, ease of cultivation, and low maintenance requirements. It is a large evergreen shrub, with an imposing and bushy habit, often as wide as it is tall. At maturity, it will reach 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft) in all directions, with rapid growth. The leaves are entire, dark green and glossy on the upper side, fuzzy and dull on the underside, oblong, deeply veined, measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) long. The flowering takes its time: the acid-green buds appear grouped in flattened and rounded cymes, 20cm (8in) wide, at the ends of the branches, from November onwards. They open gradually in May-June, in small cream-white flowers, sometimes pinkish. This flowering is sometimes fragrant. It is followed by the formation of small ovoid red fruits, turning black when ripe, which are a delight for birds. To obtain a beautiful fruiting, it is recommended to plant several plants.

Viburnum rhytidophyllum is an excellent shrub for informal hedges. It only requires a sunny exposure and fairly deep and not too dry soil to thrive. It also makes a beautiful specimen, planted as a backdrop. For example, plant it with the deciduous Viburnum x bodnantense, with early flowering, the highly colourful Viburnum lantana in autumn, lilacs, Japanese quinces, Chinese almonds, Viburnum davidii, Rosa complicata, Cotoneaster lacteus.