Viburnum sieboldii Seneca

Viburnum sieboldii 'Seneca' is a little-known opulent bush. However, this variety is spectacular and majestic, both in terms of its stature and the size of its leaves, as well as the abundance of its flowering, followed by an extremely decorative fruiting that lasts until the heart of winter. In spring, this deciduous bush is covered with large creamy-white fragrant inflorescences, providing a dazzling spectacle in the garden. The enchantment continues in autumn, when its beautiful glossy leaves come alive with flamboyant colours. Very hardy, this bush requires space and only thrives in deep, moist, non-calcareous soils, in full sun or partial shade.

Viburnum sieboldii is a large Japanese bush belonging to the Viburnaceae family. In its natural environment, as well as in our favourable climates, the bush can quickly reach 5m (16ft) in all directions. The 'Seneca' variety, which made the species known to the European public, is an American selection introduced in 1966, with a particularly abundant flowering followed by equally interesting fructification. It is a small tree or large vigorous bush with an upright and rounded habit, reaching 5m (16ft) in all directions. Its inflorescences, 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in) wide, appear in May. They resemble certain flat-headed hydrangea flowers, composed of florets of a light green colour when they bloom, before becoming snowy white. This flowering emits a lemony scent that attracts pollinating insects. It gives way to clusters of bright pink fruits that become orange, then bright red, and finally black when ripe. Disdained by birds, they persist for a long time on the plant. When they have disappeared, the plant retains above the vegetation the very decorative red peduncles that carried them. Its deciduous foliage is composed of large ovate and leathery, dentate-edged leaves. Each leaf, sometimes reaching 15cm (6in) in length, shows a bright green colour with a shiny finish and gives off an aroma that can evoke bacon when crushed. The autumn foliage varies from yellow to orange and red.

Completely hardy, Viburnum sieboldii grows quickly and thrives in sunny or partially shaded positions, but dislikes limestone and drought. While the obvious beauty of its flowering cannot be ignored, the brilliance of its fructification surprises and blends into the colours of autumn. It can be used as a focal point to attract attention in a medium-sized garden, allowed to spread freely in a large informal hedge or to create a beautiful background in larger gardens together with large rhododendrons, locust trees, large hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), and willows. Its beautiful flowers can be included in spring bouquets, accompanied by peonies and irises.