About
A medium-sized, bushy, rounded deciduous shrub to 2m, with dark green, oval leaves which are copper-coloured when young. Ovoid red berries ripen to black in the autumn. Rounded trusses of red buds open to highly perfumed pale pink flowers in spring and summer.
About the genus
Viburnum can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple or palmately lobed leaves and clusters of small, often fragrant white or pink flowers, followed by red, blue or black berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
FragranceFlower
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in most moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils
PruningPruning group 1. Tolerates hard renovative pruning
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot