Description

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With their abundance of flower, handsome foliage, robust constitution, and frequently stunning fruits, viburnums are among the most beautiful and versatile hardy shrubs available to gardeners. Yet despite these outstanding qualities, there has never been an entire volume devoted to them—until now. In this definitive, comprehensive, generously illustarted guide, internationally renowned woody plant expert Michael Dirr provides a wealth of information about every species and cultivar worthy of horticultural consideration. Never one to pull punches, Dirr bestows praise on viburnums that deserve it and is frank in his evaluation of other plants' occasional shortcomings. These finely judged appraisals make it easy for the gardener or designer to choose the right plant for the right situation.

Whether you're a home gardener in search of a four-season shrub; a nursery professional seeking woody plants with proven appeal; or a designer looking for specimens that are both functional and guaranteed to impress clients, Viburnums will acquaint you with a group of plants capable of meeting all these requirements.

Michael Dirr has said that a garden without viburnums is like a life without the pleasures of music and art. After reading just a few pages of this unparalleled work, you're sure to agree.

About the Author

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Michael A. Dirr, professor emeritus, horticulture, University of Georgia, is widely acknowledged as one of the leading experts on trees and shrubs for landscapes and gardens. He holds BS and MS degrees in horticulture from The Ohio State University and the Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts. Dirr has introduced over 200 woody plants to cultivation and holds 29 patents with the UGA Research Foundation. With two partners, he established Plant Introductions, Inc., a breeding and introduction company in 2006, selling it to Bailey Nurseries in 2015. Dirr continues to work in lockstep with the American nursery industry to introduce and promote new trees and shrubs.

Praise For…

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“A complete and informative monograph on one of the most used and beloved genera of garden shrubs, written in a concise and incredibly well researched format.” —American Gardener

“I’m thinking a lot about viburnums these days. . . . It comes to mind because Dirr is once more championing a plant that serves so many roles and yet remains underused and undervalued.” —The Washington Post

“Michael Dirr’s freely admitted ‘unbridled passion’ shines through the conversational narrative, personalizing his lifelong connection to this underused, underappreciated garden stalwart. A definitive guidebook destined to become the bible for serious botanists and homegrown horticulturists alike.” —Booklist

“Thoughtfully produced and beautifully illustrated. . . . Excellent color photos are provided for each plant described.” —SciTech Book News

“Dirr gives readers that in-the-garden reality check.” —Garden Rant

“Whether you’re looking for fall color, fruit, fragrance, or blossom size, you’ll discover the viburnum’s range through Dirr’s experience. . . . He has observed, touched, sniffed, collected, photographed, and made copious notes on the majority of the listed species and cultivars.” —Northwest Indiana Times

“A must-have for the viburnum geek, and I know there are plenty out there.” —Garden Rant

“This book was worth waiting for. The photos and illustrations are beautiful and the narrative thoughtful. It’s like having one of the country’s top horticulture professors right in the living room.” —Indianapolis Star

“When you pick up Michael Dirr’s book you’ll wonder why there aren’t more books on these most garden-worthy shrubs. At least if there’s just a single book devoted to viburnums, it’s brand new and written by a renowned plantsman.” —The Seattle Times

“An excellent reference guide for homeowners and professionals who want to grow more well-behaved shrubs in their garden.” —Seattle Post-Intelligencer

“A book that will not only be eagerly read, it will also be carried to nurseries ... as an aide in selecting the perfect viburnum to enhance a landscape. . . . Lovely color drawings add to the warm and personal feel of the book.” —Native Plant News
 
“The first book devoted entirely to this remarkably diverse genus. It is as comprehensive and authoritative as you would expect from this renowned expert.” —Manchester (CT) Journal Inquirer