Viburnum burkwoodii Anne Russell

Viburnum x burkwoodii 'Anne Russell', like all viburnums, is an easy-to-grow and extremely rewarding bush. This variety forms a medium-sized shrub with a rounded and bushy habit, which is more compact than the type. In spring, it produces beautiful spherical inflorescences adorned with pink buds that open into small white flowers, which are remarkably fragrant and reminiscent of orange blossom. It bears elegant foliage, which is semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on the mildness of the climate. It emerges bronze, becoming glossy green in summer, and truly flames in autumn. Viburnums integrate well into informal hedges; by choosing them carefully and mixing different species or combining them with other flowering shrubs, you will create a captivating garden that evolves throughout the year.

Burkwood Viburnum is an old horticultural hybrid resulting from a cross between Viburnum carlesii and V. utile. The cultivar 'Anne Russell', obtained by crossing Burkwood Viburnum with Viburnum. carlesii, differs mainly in its more compact habit and slightly less vigorous growth. Growing rather slowly, 'Anne Russell' eventually forms a large bush of 1.75 m (5.8 ft) in all directions. Its habit is broad and rounded, supported by initially upright branches that gradually lower, with the bush's habit becoming looser and more open over time. During the flowering period in April-May, the bush develops an abundance of 10 cm (3.9 in) diameter flower clusters at the ends of the branches. The pink buds open into white flowers that fade as they bloom, creating a subtle gradient of colours from white to pink, which are perfectly highlighted by the dark green foliage. The flowers are followed in September-October by spherical fruits that start red and turn black when ripe, extending the ornamental interest into part of the winter. The foliage takes on beautiful yellow, orange, copper, to purple hues in autumn.

Hardy down to -20° C (-4° F), Viburnum x burkwoodii 'Anne Russell' can be used as a standalone specimen in small gardens, as a hedge, or for mass planting in larger gardens. Its inflorescences can be used in floral arrangements. Consider planting it in a high-traffic area to fully enjoy its fragrance, near a window, along a pathway, or close to a door, for example. It works well alongside the deciduous and highly fragrant winter-flowering Viburnum x bodnantense, the autumn-coloured Viburnum lantago, lilacs, Japanese quince, Chinese almond trees, Viburnum davidii, Rosa complicata, and Cotoneaster lacteus. Note that it is a plant adaptable to many regions, as long as the planting is well cared for and it is helped to establish itself in the garden during the first two or three years.