Viburnum trilobum Wentworth

Viburnum trilobum 'Wentworth' is a variety of bush selected for its abundant spring flowering, followed by an equal amount of berry-like fruits. Less known than it deserves, the trilobed bush with its rustic appearance is native to cold regions of North America and is characterized by a dense habit and remarkable hardiness. The autumn colours of this variety are among the most beautiful that can be observed. While the fruits are enjoyed by birds, they also delight humans who can consume them like cranberries.

Native to Canada and the northern United States, Viburnum trilobum is a deciduous bush that is extremely cold and wet soil resistant. Hardy, it adapts well to any good garden soil that is not too dry. Formerly classified in the honeysuckle family, this viburnum now belongs to the Adoxaceae family. The 'Wentworth' variety was selected in England in the early 1900s. It distinguishes itself from the species by its particularly abundant flowering, giving way to equally generous fruiting, with more numerous and larger fruits.

The plant forms a large rounded bush averaging 3.4 metres (11ft) in all directions, with a moderately fast growth, spreading laterally through sucker production. The branches are grey and slightly arched at their tips. Flowering begins in late May or early June, on the previous year's branches. The flattened white clusters are located at the end of the branches. On each inflorescence, the larger sterile flowers surround a small centre composed of fertile button-like flowers. This flowering is followed by a superb scarlet red fruiting. The fruit remains on the bush during the winter, acquiring a sweeter taste due to the cold. These berries attract birds, which will brighten the shortest and gloomiest days of the year. Its foliage is deciduous, the leaves are trilobed (hence the plant's name), measuring 8 to 10cm (3.1 - 3.9in) long, and have strongly marked veins. Dark green from spring to summer, the foliage colours in autumn. The combination of the bright red fruiting with the crimson and purple-violet tones of the foliage is simply stunning.

Hardy well beyond -15°C, Viburnum 'Wentworth' thrives in a sunny location to accentuate its autumn colours, in ordinary but moist soil. It is mainly used in mixed hedges or shrub beds. In this use, it can be accompanied by other viburnums with staggered flowering times (V. lantana, V. x bodnantense, V. x burkwoodii, V. opulus 'Xanthocarpum'), deciduous Euonymus, or a Cotinus for autumn flamboyance. This champion of hardiness allows for the creation of a very pleasant rustic atmosphere in the company of native plants such as medlar, hazel, hawthorn, Prunus mahaleb, blackthorn, and hedge honeysuckle...