Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Viburnum, 1 by ViburnumValley

ViburnumValley wrote:
I know of a good book on viburnum. It is never far from arm's reach, especially when it's cold and blustery outside.

Viburnum, by Lloyd Kenyon (The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens, National Plant Collection Holder) is a fine albeit small text of about 85 pages published in the United Kingdom for about L7 (seven pounds; under $15 US).

Mr. Kenyon (though he might be a Lord) has quite the collection of plants, and in not too long a time which holds out hope for the rest of us viburnumophiles. This book brings together descriptions of species from around the world, along with some photographs. It is by no means comprehensive in the sense of listing and evaluating every known cultivar/clone, but it's the best thing I've come across so far for the average gardener to appreciate the differences and similarities across the genus. I've given it as gifts to other unreconstructed viburnum-oholics.

I agree with Greg above; Mike Dirr's texts/CDs have the best information to be had "on the street" as it were. Having made his acquaintance as well, I know that there is always another book bubbling under the surface with him, and others of his ilk like nurseryman Don Shadow of Tennessee (excellent purveyor of viburnum) and Dr. Paul Cappiello, director of Yew Dell Gardens in Crestwood, KY. These last two recently partnered on the new text on dogwoods which was released to much fanfare. Maybe that's why they haven't gotten around to viburnums yet.

One last note: for those who don't know the name Dr. Donald Egolf. Now deceased, he was the pre-eminent U.S. National Arboretum (USDA?) researcher and hybridizer of the viburnums now known so well amongst fanciers and average gardeners seeking a plant for their yard. If it has a native American tribal name, Don Egolf probably grew, named, selected, and released it for posterity. Shasta, Shoshoni, Eskimo, Chesapeake, Conoy, Mohawk, Mohican, Catskill, Erie, Iroquois are but a few of the viburnums released by the USNA due to Dr. Egolf's efforts.

I look forward to posting (and reading more posts!) on viburnums here at DG.

This image (left to right) shows V. x juddii, V. x 'Cayuga', and V. x 'Eskimo', the latter two USNA products.