Why do I claim that viburnums are the top Spring flowering shrubs? Well there are five practical reasons and one rather more aesthetic. This is from Michael A. Dirr, a noted horticulturist, who says ?A garden without a viburnum is akin to life without music and art?. This information comes from an article by Jean Kolojejchick which I found on the Penn State Extension website.

As we gaze upon the awakening landscape at this time of year, we dream of the wide array of flowers, shrubs and trees in our gardens. In the shrubs category, viburnums fall into ?my favorite? species for many reasons.

Viburnum

They flower every year (unlike the more finicky hydrangea macrophyllas), and their blossoms are often followed by colorful fruit for the birds. They are nearly pest free, and many varieties have outstanding fall color. Most importantly, they bloom reliably in my Zone 5, shady garden. What class of shrubs can speak to that?
Michael A. Dirr, noted horticulturist, expert on woody plants, and author of many garden books, says ?A garden without a viburnum is akin to life without music and art.? I tend to agree because these wonderful shrubs perform so well and are not a maintenance nightmare. I was fortunate to have attended his seminar at Fordhook Farm in Doylestown seven years ago when his book on viburnums was newly released. He recommended his favorite viburnums for Eastern Pennsylvania, three of which I promptly planted in my garden (photographs below) and they have performed extremely well for me.

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