Viburnum odoratissimum 'Emerald Lustre'

 Pic October 2018

Tall shrub in our front Garden, identified Oct 2018 from pics by Marjorie (Manawee Nursery), it is a very healthy plant, doing well where it is.  I threw some fertiliser under the plant at an unrecorded time late last year or early this year (2018).
Snippets from the Net:
A fast growing hardy shrub with large glossy leaves.  A fantastic screening plant between neighbours.  Can be pruned to desired shape and height.  Fragrant flowers during Summer which also attract birds.  Tolerant to high wind and light frost.
Typical Height - 3 to 4 Mtr
Suitable to most of Australia
Full Sun to Part shade
Moist well drained soil

Watering from a hose or sprinkler should be done slowly and deeply, not frequently, to avoid shallow root development or root diseases.  Allow soil to dry several inches deep before irrigating.
Use of a soaker hose is recommended.
 Prune in late winter or spring, depending on when the plants flower. 
Never over fertilise as you will see lots of weak, leafy growth and few flowers.

If necessary, viburnums can be pruned for neatness throughout the year.  Older plants that have outgrown their space can be 'reinvented' by removing all the lower branches, retaining only one or two ot the larger main stems and the upper branches attached to them.  These branhes are then trimmed regularly, so that the foliage becomes denser.  This will create a cute little tree in whose shade you can plant some new perennials.

Low maintanence and problem free.

But these words from the site Garden Drum, a fave site of mine, under the heading 'Some plants are duds' were a bit worrying.
   "The two worst offenders for me which I spend my life dealing with....are Faxinus grifitthii and sweet viburnum 'Viburnum odoratissimum'.  The extra tag of 'Emerald Lustre' is missing in his description so am hopeful our Viburnum will continue down the road in good health.

Buds began forming in early July 2018

7-10-18  After 2 days of heavy rain, finally a little sunshine, a lot of the flowers have fallen so went to grab a pic, as I approached the bush the buzzing of bees could be heard, but the silent bugs were a bit of a surprise, so many varieties, which are good bugs? which bad?

A bee and a 'stink bug?' happily sharing the same flower head. 

Pic October 2018

  Pic October 2018

 A pic of the interior of the shrub shows that it has had pruning in the past, particularly to keep it open and create good air flow.  We will have to do the same - probably late Winter / August as a regular option, but this year (2018) just a tidy up of any dead wood and a little shaping at the end of flowering.

 

  We have removed the large Bird of Paradise and the cycad from the front of the house and created a little sitting courtyard.  Lovely spot to enjoy a cool drink at end of day.

 

View facing East - yes east, sunset behind us but lovely light reflected behind our 'Emerald Lustre'

Pic December 2020

Apparently this is quite a common thing, Found an explanation here

View from the same spot, you can see the sun hitting the leaves on the western side of the tree.

Lots of lovely red berries, a real treat for the local lorikeets.

Pic December 2020

 

Pruned in June by Dave, using of all things a chain saw. we were worried but it all seems to have worked out well, no berries on the new growth
 Pic December 2020