Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist loams, but tolerates a wide range of soils. Mature plants generally have some good drought tolerance. Prune as needed immediately after flowering, however pruning off spent flowers will eliminate summer fruit display, which admittedly is not very showy for this hybrid. For best cross-pollination and subsequent fruit display, plant shrubs in groups rather than as single specimens.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Viburnum × burkwoodii, commonly called Burkwood viburnum, is a densely-branched, multi-stemmed shrub which typically grows 8-10' tall and 5-7' wide. Features fragrant white flowers arranged in flat-topped cymes (2-4" wide) in April. Flowers are followed by pendulous clusters of red berry-like drupes which ripen black. Fruit is not particularly showy. Ovate, glossy dark green leaves (to 4" long) turn maroon in fall, but remain evergreen in warm southern climates (USDA Zones 7 and 8). This hybrid is a cross between V. utile and V. carlesii.
Genus name comes from the Latin name of a species plant.
Specific epithet honors the brothers Albert and Arthur Burkwood, English nurserymen and plant hybridists.
'Conoy' is an introduction of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. and is perhaps best noted for its compact, spreading habit and glossy foliage. It is a densely-branched, multi-stemmed shrub which typically grows 4-5' tall and 7-8' wide. Features fragrant, creamy white flowers arranged in flat-topped umbels (2-4" wide) in April. Flowers are followed by pendulous clusters of red berry-like drupes which ripen in August and persist into the fall before eventually turning black. Ovate, glossy dark green leaves (to 4" long) turn maroon in fall, but remain evergreen in warm southern climates (USDA Zones 7 and 8).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Specimen or groups. Shrub borders, foundations, hedges or screens.