I think I can honestly say I have never met a Viburnum I didn't like - they come from a good family, always look neat and tidy, often smell good and don't crave constant attention. This genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs are great background performers and should not be overlooked when planning a new garden or refurbishing an existing planting scheme.
Viburnums are tolerant of just about any soil but they are happiest in a rich humus that does not completely dry out in summer. If you choose carefully you can have Viburnums in flower from winter through to the end of summer. The flowers are often sweetly scented and are followed by very attractive ornamental berries. The deciduous varieties have excellent autumn leaf colour. Viburnums can be kept tidy by cutting back any straggly older shoots after flowering. You won't find this an arduous task and if you decide not to do it your Viburnum will still perform well for you.
Most are frost hardy with the exception of Viburnum odoratissimum "Emerald Lustre" which will only tolerate a light frost. If you do have a frost free area this is a wonderful plant to add a lush tropical look as it has large rounded glossy green foliage with a hint of bronze. Some Viburnums are prone to attack from Thrip in summer, especially Viburnum tinus varieties such as "Eve Price" and "Gwenllian" but this is easily controlled (see care instructions on Rhododendron page) and should not detract from their overall value.