Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Two Viburnum questions, 1 by malusman

malusman wrote:
Kevin,

I'm interested in your V. carlesii from Lowe's, specifically when you bought them. This past summer, I bought a plant labeled V. carlesii from Lowe's that had foliage that looked very much like 'Eskimo' or perhaps 'Conoy.' Very dark green, smallish, shiny leaves; supplier tag was Hines Horticulture. Wondering if we have the same thing or if yours was purchased in previous years and doesn't match what I have. I don't see 'Park Farm Hybrid' listed often (can't remember the last time) when I look at availablities. I was under the impression that it was superceded by better varieties. I'll have to double check with my boss about the exact identity, but I think we may have a plant on grounds if you wanted some wood.

Scott- in Peoria of last year, V. x juddii was in full flower on 4-15 and 'Cayuga' had flowers just cracking open so there is some overlap. These plants were in a polyhouse that was uncovered in March but generally run about 4-5 ahead of schedule of the natural grown plants. Since I'm a bit south of Kevin, this pretty well confirms his flowering sequence. Fragrance on Judd is sweet smelling and 'Cayuga' leans more towards the spicy smell of Koreanspice. Personally, I like the 'Mohawk' flavor the most but I haven't smell all of the plants that are listed. 'Cayuga' tends to be a bit more upright in shape than Judd and some accuse it of being a bit leggy. I haven't found it to be bad enough to call it leggy. V. farreri is a bit wild growing but 'Nanum' is an exceedingly cute little thing when young. I have not seen mature plants of it, or have forgotten them.

David- from the few plants that I have seen, 'Cayuga' has a nice red/yellow fall color in P.M. shade and has pretty fully dropped now. We have a Judd on ground under an a low branched oak that gets almost no sun and is just no getting a nice purple/red/yellow fall color if my memory serves me correctly. Open grown plants have more of a subdued burgandy/purple color.

To all- I have seen plants labeled V. carlesii 'Compactum' growing 5'-6' tall. I think that I have read that there is some confusion in the trade with this plant. Does anybody know of a source that sells the true 'Compactum'?

Thanks in advance,
Ernie


Edit- all photos taken on the same day to show sequence.

This message was edited Nov 18, 2006 11:31 AM