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Viburnham Copper top

GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 4,269
in Plants
Last September I purchased V Copper Top it was a lovely specimen. I already grow V Bodnantense Charles Lamont, V rhytidophyllum and V Watanabe so I was pleased to find this new form.
It is planted in a south facing border but it has been hit hard by the recent frosts. Lots of leaves have dropped and all the new shoots are black. It should be flowering soon which is one reason I decided to grow it. I do think it would respond to hard pruning but not ideal when I was expecting flowers.
Just wondered if I had got something wrong and does anyone else grow it? Beginning to think it is another of those new introductions that are not worth growing.
RETIRED GARDENER, SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL.

BROWN IS A COLOUR   Piet Oudolf

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  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,451
    Viburnum odoratissimum Coppertop.
    Interesting new one.
    What a shame frost hit it...flowers will be zero in 2022.

    https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/viburnum-odoratissimum-coppertop-brant01-pbr/classid.2000044489/

    We used to grow Viburnum odoratissimum in South wales, in a very sheltered spot as recommended by RHS. fasb glossy evergreen leaves.



    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 4,269
    @Silver surfer Yes beautiful glossy leaves when purchased just like in your photographs. The new leaves had a lovely red tint last autumn. I agree won't get to see the flowers  this year. It is in a sheltered spot although it was sold as growing in any aspect. I think the message is one to avoid. I will contact the nursery where I purchased it in the hope they will inform the growers. Thankyou.
    RETIRED GARDENER, SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL.

    BROWN IS A COLOUR   Piet Oudolf
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 4,269
    @Silver surfer  The nursery I purchased V Copper Top from have confirmed they will contact their growers.
    Most of us would assume that Viburnhams are hardy but not this one. No point growing a shrub for it's scented flowers if there are no flowers! 
    Interesting that there has been little response to this thread. I do know that this plant is 'new' which can be a sign it has not been grown long enough to ensure it is garden worthy.  Thank you
    RETIRED GARDENER, SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL.

    BROWN IS A COLOUR   Piet Oudolf
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,451
    edited April 2022
    You could try to move it to a sheltered spot.
    Come to think about it i don't think I ever saw flowers on our one in South wales.
    Maybe it doesn't flower when young.
    I loved it for those very glossy evergreen leaves.

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/viburnum-odoratissimum/

    Up here in Perthshire, Scotland I have see  Dobbies displaying in the outside sales area,in cold winter weather,  shrubs that I have only seen growing in the tropics. DUH!
    BUYER BEWARE!
    Maybe down south you could get away with it...but up here...no chance!
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 4,269
    @Silver surfer We have a saying where I come from' it will be fine South if Watford Gap!'
    RETIRED GARDENER, SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL.

    BROWN IS A COLOUR   Piet Oudolf
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,451
    GardenerSuze said:
    @Silver surfer We have a saying where I come from' it will be fine South if Watford Gap!'
    I was born in Watford Gen hosp .
    Lived for 20 years on outskirts of North London,
     So know that expression well!
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 4,269
    @Silver surfer Well I never, wondered if you would have a clue what I was going on about!
    RETIRED GARDENER, SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL.

    BROWN IS A COLOUR   Piet Oudolf
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,108
    Sorry to have taken so long to join in. We could not remember where we planted this. Found it today. Growing well, no sign of damage. Nice new coppery leaves. Mind this is a fairly sheltered garden so we do not get (so far) really heavy frosts.
    The species type is reported to be hardy only to 20 f. or-6c.
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