Flower of the Week

Viburnum

Viburnum opulus

Viburnum, commonly referred to as snowball bush, is highly similar in appearance to hydrangea. It is an extremely popular landscaping plant, due to its dramatic appearance as a large bush with hundreds of pompom-like blooms on each bush.

Viburnum is a national symbol of Ukraine, and is frequently mentioned in Ukrainian folklore, art and traditional embroidery. Kalyna, the plant's name in the Ukrainian language, is referenced in the title of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army's anthem: Chervona Kalyna.

The history of viburnum's link to Ukrainian culture can be traced back to the beginning of Slavic paganism. According to Slavic mythology, Kalyna was associated with the birth of the universe as part of the Fire Trinity: the Sun, the Moon and the Star, with the berries of the flowering bush symbolizing blood and family roots. Kalyna is also a symbol of the beauty of young women in Ukrainian culture.