Lantanaphyllum Viburnum

Growth habit

Shrub

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Location

Comstock Knoll and Rhododendron Collection

Source of plant

Princeton Nurseries, US National Arboretum, Edgewood Nursery, Lake County Nursery Inc., Cornell Botanic Gardens

Description

Plants have very dark, coriaceous leaves which are resistant to bacterial leaf spot, abundant inflorescences, hardiness, and a densely globose growth habit. The foliage, which tends to be deciduous to semi-persistent is intermediate between the parental species; it is smaller than that of V. rhytidophyllum, and more leathery than that of V. lantana. The rugose, coriaceous leaves are resistant to leaf spot and are highly ornamental. The abundant, yellowish-white inflorescences in May are effectively displayed above the dark green foliage. For several weeks in September and October the fruit becomes brilliant red as ripening advances to black at maturity. In 13 years the original plant has attained a height of 10 1/2' and a spread of 11'. This has proven to be an outstanding selection and is being successfully grown as far north as the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Selected from an F2 population of seedlings resulting from a cross of V. rhytidophyllum and V. 'Mohican' made in 1958. Introduced by the National Arboretum; hybridized and selected by Donald Egolf.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

foliage characteristics, notable texture, fruiting characteristics, disease resistance