About
Broad, flat clusters of small, cylinder-shaped white flowers with pale lilac anthers are produced in mid to late summer. A large evergreen shrub to 5m high, with warty branches and ovate, waxy, dull green leaves pointed at the tips. They are followed by ovoid berries that turn red and then black as they mature.
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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toHimalaya, W China
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
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, with protection from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 8 (evergreens)
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by grafting in late summer or winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot