Viburnum ULGEN

Viburnum «Ulgen» – a domestic variety of the common viburnum obtained at the M. Lisavenko Siberian Horticulture Research Institute and included in the state register in 1995. Bushes reach a height of 3 to 3.5 m, having a compact crown with five to six main stems. Flowering occurs in late May–early June, when aromatic nectariferous flowers gather into umbel-like inflorescences.

The fruits of the «Ulgen» variety are large, bright red and juicy; each berry weighs from 0.6 to 0.9 g. They have a slightly bitter taste, persist on the branches until snow and can be used both for food purposes (jams, juices, syrups, jellies) and for medical purposes – due to the content of vitamins C and P. The yield reaches 5–10 kg from one bush; when planted in groups of two to three shrubs, the yield can increase to 8–9 kg.

«Ulgen» differs in high winter hardiness, resistance to most diseases and pests (except for black viburnum aphid). The variety prefers fertile, permeable soils with a groundwater depth of up to 1 m; it grows poorly on podzolic and sandy substrates. To preserve moisture, it is recommended to mulch the trunk circles with straw, wood bark or mown grass. Thanks to compact growth and decorative qualities, viburnum «Ulgen» is also widely used as a living hedge and soil-protection plant in meliorative plantings.