Viburnum x hillieri 'WINTON'

Winton is a unique variety of Hillier viburnum which is a cross between v.erubescens and v.henryi. The first parent gave it rich purple red, leathery leaves in autumn, and the second one secured sweetly scented, rosy-pinky flowers in spring. In summer the leaves are deep green, narrowly ovate to elliptic, pendent, and partially glossy.

It is commonly classified as evergreen but it belongs to semi-evergreen viburnums which keep leaves only in mild climates and drop them in zones 5 and 6. Still, in these colder zones it offers a much more colourful show of autumn foliage which turns rich burgundy and carmine red for a long period of time, sometimes until January.

Winton viburnum does not grow fast – you can expect a 2m tall and wide shrub in 10-15 years. Its branches make a tiered and bushy effect but if you don’t like their misbehaving spreading you can prune them in late spring after the flowers have faded.

It is soil adaptable. Just make sure the ground is not waterlogged after you transplant it. Acid soil will contribute to the depth of red shades of autumn foliage. Full sun is best, partial shade will do. Hardy to about -27°C, but will probably withstand short spells of slightly lower temperatures.

Last update 23-11-2012