A Top Hedge

BOTANICAL NAME: Viburnum odoratissimum
COMMON NAME:  Sweet Viburnum

DESCRIPTION: 

A quick-growing evergreen large shrub or tree.  Glossy green leaves with a distinctive aroma when crushed.  Fragrant white flowers in rather insignificant clusters in spring.

HEDGE USES:

Primarily used as a boundary hedge or screen.  They can be left unpruned or can be clipped into a formal hedge.  The usual height of sweet viburnum is around 2m to 3m.  It will, however, grow much taller if allowed.  They are sometimes used for lower boxed hedges and can even be clipped into a low groundcover 40cm to 50cm high.

SPACING:

The closer they are spaced, the sooner the hedge affords privacy.  The recommended spacing for a hedge of 1.5m to 3m high is 40cm to 120cm.  Boundary screens or windbreaks – 150cm to 200cm spacing.

PLANTING:

Dig individual square holes twice the depth and twice the width of the nursery container.  Add compost and superphosphate at the recommended rates to each hole and mix in well.  Plant at the same level as in the nursery container.  Water well.

MAINTENANCE:

Water every 2 to 4 days for the first 6 weeks.  Prune young plants to encourage bushy growth.  Once established, clip or trim every 4 to 8 weeks.  Fertilise every 3 months with 5:1:5 slow release nitrogen.