Viburnum davidii Jermyns Globe

Viburnum  globosum 'Jermyns Globe' is a hybrid variety of Viburnum obtained in England in 1964 possessing a beautiful evergreen foliage resembling that of its parent, the David viburnum, with a dark and glossy green color. It stands out with a more upright habit, forming a large, nicely rounded bush with dense vegetation. Its foliage highlights its long spring to summer flowering in light white corymbs, and then the small metallic blue-black fruits that persist long into autumn. This easy-to-grow shrub in all regions will easily integrate into the garden, contributing, along with other evergreens, to its structure. 

The hybrid viburnum 'Jermyns Globe' is the result of a cross between Viburnum davidii and V. calvum, a much less known Chinese species. This plant, formerly classified among the Caprifoliaceae, now belongs to the Adoxaceae family, just like elderberries. It is a dioecious shrub, with distinct male and female subjects, only the latter will bear fruits in the presence of male plants. The 'Jermyns Globe' cultivar with its bushy and rounded habit grows moderately fast, reaching an average of 2.25 m in all directions. The dense and evergreen foliage is perhaps the main asset of this viburnum: its leathery, oval leaves, of a beautiful dark green with a glossy finish, show three veins that converge on a red petiole. In cold weather, it often takes on beautiful purplish hues matching the branches. The remarkably extended flowering period begins in May-June, sporadically continuing until July-August, and sometimes resuming in autumn. It consists of rather loose and flattened clusters, 2 to 6 centimetres in diameter, arranged at the end of branches, these flowers are white. The subsequent fruiting is quite unique and will persist on the branches until at least October. The small blue-black fruits, carried by reddish peduncles, are not edible. 

The hardiness of Viburnum globosum 'Jermyns Globe' (-15°C maximum) does not allow it to be planted in our most continental regions, in the North-East of France. Elsewhere, it thrives in sunny or semi-shady locations even though it tolerates shade. It is less demanding in terms of soil than the David viburnum and accepts the presence of limestone. Several shrubs must be planted for fruiting to occur. Use it as a standalone or in a massif, its foliage, with a strong presence, enhances the accompanying blooms. It is perfect for creating the persistent structure of the garden. Its dark foliage creates interesting contrasts with shrubs with grey foliage (Large armoises, Buddleia Silver Anniversary, Gomphostigma virgatum White Candy), bluish (Eucalyptus gunii), yellow (Phyllostachys aurea, Sambucus nigra Golden Tower) or even the variegated pink foliage of the Willow shrimp.  In slightly acidic soil, it can be associated for example with Japanese spindle trees, hydrangeas, variegated dogwoods, pieris, or Japanese maples that appreciate the same settings.