The cells of the stamen hairs of some Tradescantia are colored blue, but when exposed to sources of ionizing radiation such as gamma rays, the cells mutate and change color to pink; they are one of the few tissues known to serve as an effective bioassay for ambient radiation levels. Border plantings.

Background plant in a wetland garden. Wetland creation and restoration projects.

The name Walter's viburnum honors Thomas Walter (1740-89), English-born planter of South Carolina, who described this species in his Flora Caroliniana. Specimen plant, hedge or screen plant. Can be allowed to form a thicket, sheared, or kept pruned into a tree.  Fast growing.

Can be used as an accent plant or grown in the mid-rear of the garden. Also suitable in wildflower gardens. Its broad tolerance of soil and moisture conditions make it a good plant for difficult places. More robust if grown in fertile soils.