Viburnums: Flowering Shrubs for Every Season

by Michael Dirr

With their abundance of flower, handsome foliage, robust constitution, and frequently stunning fruits, viburnums are among the most beautiful and versatile hardy shrubs available to gardeners. Yet despite these outstanding qualities, there has never been an entire volume devoted to them—until now. In this definitive, comprehensive, generously illustarted guide, internationally renowned woody plant expert Michael Dirr provides a wealth of information about every species and cultivar worthy of horticultural consideration. Never one to pull punches, Dirr bestows praise on viburnums that deserve it and is frank in his evaluation of other plants' occasional shortcomings. These finely judged appraisals make it easy for the gardener or designer to choose the right plant for the right situation. Whether you're a home gardener in search of a four-season shrub; a nursery professional seeking woody plants with proven appeal; or a designer looking for specimens that are both functional and guaranteed to impress clients, Viburnums will acquaint you with a group of plants capable of meeting all these requirements. Michael Dirr has said that a garden without viburnums is like a life without the pleasures of music and art. After reading just a few pages of this unparalleled work, you're sure to agree.

Genres: Gardening, Horticulture, Nonfiction

264 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2007

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A extremely comprehensive guide to all viburnums across the globe. Given the size of this family, this book is jam packed full of viburnums! Most of the varieties discussed are not found outside their native lands. While valuable as a scholarly work, this book doesn't provide much clarity for the gardener and only creates confusion. If you are interested in adding viburnums to your home landscape stop at the garden center to find out what is available and then research them up on-line.

[Jean-claude Linossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great informative book and great pictures.

[Lorilin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really thorough info on viburnums, if that's what you're looking for. It's a little overwhelming, but if you're willing to take the time to comb through the information, it's gold.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viburnums: Flowering Shrubs For Every Season by Michael A. Dirr (Timber Press 2007) (635.93392). This is a thorough treatment of a particularly useful family of flowering shrubs or small trees for landscapers everywhere. It includes a comprehensive catalog of viburnum species and varieties. My rating: 7/10, finished 2008.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive treatment of a great genus of woody garden plants.

It makes me think I should add some more viburnums to my garden beyond the three species I already have (arrowwood, nannyberry, and cranberry).

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I have any of these shrubs, but if I did this book could tell you more than you ever wanted to know. Or at least more than I want to know.