There are over 100 different species of viburnum because it is a genus of plants. These species are native to different areas of Asia and Europe. Depending on the climate, they can tolerate more or less frost.
Is a viburnum bush hardy?
The winter hardiness of the viburnum varies depending on the species. The common viburnum is frost hardy and does not require winter protection, while the Mediterranean viburnum can only tolerate moderate frost and requires additional protection, e.g. by overwintering in a bucket or winter garden.
The common viburnum is quite frost-hardy and generally does not require any special winter protection. It's completely different with the Mediterranean viburnum or laurel viburnum, which only tolerates light frost. But it shows its intensely fragrant white-pink flowers in winter.
How do I care for the viburnum bush in winter?
The common viburnum and comparable species require neither winter protection nor special care. Evergreen plants need a certain amount of water even in winter, otherwise they will die of thirst. Therefore, you should also water your evergreen viburnum on frost-free days. However, fertilizer is not necessary during this time.
Less frost-hardy viburnum species, such as the Mediterranean viburnum, should protect you from excessively low temperatures and cold winds in harsh regions. You basically have two different options for this. A thick layer of mulch or leaves protects many garden plants very successfully in winter, but is less suitable for the Mediterranean viburnum that blooms then. It is easier and more decorative to overwinter this snowball in a bucket.
Overwintering potted plants
For potted plants that do not bloom in winter, it is usually enough to protect the root area from freezing. Wrap an old blanket, a jute sack or special fleece around the planter so that it is well protected from all sides, including from below. In a mild area, this protection may also be sufficient for the more sensitive viburnum species that bloom in winter.
If you have a relatively cool or unheated winter garden or a greenhouse, then you can easily overwinter your Mediterranean or laurel viburnum there and enjoy its fragrant flowers. This type of overwintering is also particularly suitable for young plants that are still quite sensitive.
The best winter tips:
- water less
- do not fertilize
- protect sensitive plants from frost
- Overwinter potted plants in the cold winter garden or greenhouse
Tip
The best place to overwinter snowball species that bloom in winter is where you can enjoy the flowers.
