Viburnum opulus
Viburnum is a genus that contains many species, both evergreen and deciduous, and there are several good varieties for our area. Viburnum tinus ‘Robustum’ and Viburnum ‘Spring Bouquet’ are among the earliest spring blooming shrubs. They both have flat heads of pink buds opening to white blossoms which in turn form dark blue berries. The former can grow to ten to twelve feet, the latter four to six feet. They are both evergreen and require regular water.
Another very popular species is V. opulus ‘Roseum’ or snowball bush. It is deciduous with dark green lobed leaves and snowball-like clusters of white flowers. ‘Roseum’ is sterile and so does not produce berries, but the flowers are lovely. It does well in sun or partial shade and likes regular water.