Viburnum Brandywine

* Common name: Viburnum Brandywine(TM)

* Botanical name: Viburnum nudum ‘Bulk’

* What it is: A native flowering shrub that gets white flower clusters in May, then heavy clusters of pea-sized fruits that ripen from pink to dark blue in early fall. Fall foliage is glossy and dark maroon.

* Size: 5 to 6 feet tall and wide.

* Where to use: Makes a beautiful, changeable, colorful hedge along a border. Attractive enough for use as a foundation shrub or for flanking entryways or patio openings. Even tolerates roots fairly well so can be used in dappled sunlight under trees. Full sun to part shade.

* Care: Pruning not needed if given adequate space. Just thin out crossing or overly dense growth in late winter or after bloom. A scattering of balanced, organic, granular fertilizer once in spring is helpful. Reasonably drought-tough after the first year or two in the ground. Fruits best when paired with at least one other same-species viburnum, such as viburnum ‘Winterthur’ or the straight species Viburnum nudum.

* Great partner: Purple salvia pairs well when blooming in concert with white viburnum flowers in May. Leadwort’s blue flowers look good with ripening fruits in fall.