Sargent's viburnum

Family Caprifoliaceae. Naturally distributed in Eastern Siberia, the Russian Far East, Sakhalin, Korea, northern China, and Japan. Sargent's viburnum is widespread in the Urals, the Altai, and Khabarovsk Krai, where it is found on forest edges, clearings, firebreaks, among shrub thickets near water and in damp places.

In contrast to the common viburnum, it has a more spreading, multibranched shrub and leaves with a longer petiole and midrib. It blooms in late May to early June. Sterile flowers are large (up to 3 cm in diameter); fertile flowers have purple, less often yellow, anthers, which also distinguishes it from the common viburnum. Fruits ripening in early October are spherical and bright red. It bears fruit annually from nine years of age.

Undemanding regarding soil, it prefers low-lying sites with running water. Shade-tolerant, winter-hardy, and resistant to gases and smoke. A good ornamental shrub, especially striking during flowering and fruiting, in solitary and group plantings, and along the banks of water bodies. In cultivation since 1892.

Withstands frosts down to -30°C. Undemanding to soil, prefers sunny locations but tolerates partial shade. Tolerates urban conditions and transplanting, and is easily propagated by winter and summer cuttings. Like the common viburnum, it is a good honey plant and has similar medicinal properties. Very beautiful not only when in flower but also in autumn, when the leaves turn bright scarlet. Magnificent both as a solitary specimen and in various types of group plantings, and as living flowering and fruiting hedges. Will successfully adorn any park, city square, or home garden. Known in cultivation since 1892.