Here are some higher resolution copies of the photos: http://thedistinct.com/host/random/buterfly_bush/1.JPG http://thedistinct.com/host/random/buterfly_bush/2.JPG

Having about 2 dozen of the many Viburnum cultivars planted here on our residential property (1.5 acres) with close up observation over the past 40 years, one needs ample space for many of the Viburnum cultivars as they obtain 10 feet or more in hiegth and width, may I suggest 'carlcephalum' or maybe better?, 'Cayuga.' Carlcephalum becomes almost tree like in size and habit yet the Cayuga has deeper green leaves, a tighter habit, also abundant blooms which have heavenly aroma, and good orange fall color. If you wait a few years, Cayaga also gets almost as big as its parent Carlcephalum as Cayuga is up to 10 feet tall and about as wide. I do not have take yet on 'Nantucket' as we have only a root cutting to put out this spring. 'Nantucket' not yet available commercially in this area; however, the reports on 'Nantucket' are full of promise. We'll see how it prospers, or not, in zone 5b (here). And, yes, we also have about 5 or 6 of the Beauty Bushes as they were already here when we arrived in 1968 to inhabit and enjoy the property. They get very tall and must be severely trimmed back about every 15 years or so to rejuvenate. The Beauty Bushes are fanatastic in the spring--real show stoppers with the cascading fountain effect of pink-white blooms and rather fragrant. Yes, they are leggy and rather common in summer yet provide marvelously good screening effect and excellent backdrop for out-in-front beds.

I have two that are growing in full sun, so at least this far north it is happy in full sun. I have seen one growing wild in northern Ohio (where I grew up) under high trees on a stream bank (above most flooding, but maybe rare high water.) So it was probably in all day (or almost) shade there. The shaded one was less densely branched than mine, but it was blooming just fine. If your shade is relatively bright, I would imagine that it will be happy there. Here is one of mine just starting to bloom last spring. Since it is fine is a range of sun exposures, and the pH range from NH to OH is from quite acid to slightly basic, I think this shrub is fairly flexible about growing conditions, though I don't think it likes it too dry.

Don't know where to get it, or if it will even grow here. I had it in SC, but tried to grow it in what was then 9b, and it didn't survive the nematodes and the summer rains. It says hardy to Z9b, but I believe you'd have to plant it in a container. I know people up in 8b grow it, but the only other FL grower I've seen was on Dave's Garden from St. Pete and they said it didn't have any fragrance and didn't grow well. I guess it depends on what part of 9a you're in. I remember this shrub fondly, and would love to try it, but don't think it's going to do well here.