Viburnum tinus Quimper

Description

Common Name: Quimper Viburnum
Botanical Name: Viburnum × burkwoodii ‘Quimper’
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Height: 2-2.5m
Mature Spread: 1.5-2m
Flowering Period: April-May
Flower Colour: Pink buds opening to fragrant white flowers
Foliage: Dark green leaves with bronze autumn colour
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy in most of UK and Ireland)
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil
Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
Maintenance: Low

Description

Like a symphony of spring awakening, Viburnum ‘Quimper’ enchants gardens with its spectacular display of intensely fragrant blooms that perfume the air with honeyed sweetness, creating one of the most beloved and reliable performers in the Irish garden. This distinguished deciduous shrub captures the essence of late spring with clusters of pristine white flowers that emerge from the most delicate pink buds, creating a beautiful two-toned effect that signals winter’s end and spring’s joyful arrival.

Each magnificent flower cluster unfolds to reveal dozens of small, tubular white blooms with the most intoxicating fragrance that carries on gentle breezes, drawing both gardeners and beneficial insects from across the garden. The substantial flower heads create impressive focal points against the fresh green foliage, whilst the extended flowering period ensures weeks of spectacular display and heavenly scent that makes this variety indispensable in any fragrant garden.

The attractive foliage provides year-round structure with dark green leaves that create beautiful contrast against the white blooms in spring, then transform to warm bronze and copper tones in autumn before falling to reveal the elegant branching structure. This vigorous variety maintains an upright, vase-shaped habit that suits both formal and naturalistic garden settings, thriving in the varied conditions of Irish gardens whilst requiring minimal intervention.

Hardy and dependable in our changeable climate, ‘Quimper’ combines exceptional fragrance with outstanding garden performance and excellent disease resistance. Plant near seating areas or pathways where the intoxicating scent can be fully appreciated, or combine with early-flowering bulbs and soft pink cherry blossoms to create a spring garden of breathtaking beauty and unforgettable fragrance.

Caragh’s Garden Notebook

Plant in autumn or early spring in well-prepared, fertile soil enriched with well-rotted compost or manure. Choose a position with morning sun and some afternoon shade, with protection from strong winds to preserve the delicate flower clusters and maximise fragrance. Space 2m apart to allow for mature spread and good air circulation.

Maintain soil fertility with annual mulching using organic matter such as compost, bark chips, or well-rotted manure applied in spring. Ensure consistent moisture throughout the growing season, particularly during dry spells and the first year after planting, but avoid waterlogged conditions which can damage the root system.

For container cultivation, use good quality multipurpose compost in a substantial pot at least 50cm wide with excellent drainage. This variety makes an outstanding specimen plant and is particularly effective when positioned where the magnificent fragrance can be appreciated. Feed with general purpose fertiliser in early spring.

Deadhead spent flower clusters immediately after flowering to maintain the plant’s neat appearance and direct energy into healthy growth. Light pruning immediately after flowering helps maintain shape and removes any weak or crossing branches, though avoid heavy pruning as this can reduce next year’s flowering.

Water deeply at the base of the plant during dry periods, particularly in spring when flower buds are developing. The fibrous root system benefits from consistent moisture and protection from temperature extremes through organic mulching around the base, extending 60cm from the main stem.