About
A clump-forming, upright, herbaceous perennial to about 50cm tall with lance-shaped, mid-green leaves and dense, erect racemes of small, violet-blue, four-petalled flowers in summer. A neat and reliable species for a sunny or partly shaded border or wildflower planting, particularly suited to moist, well-drained soil.
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, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Native toW 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
CultivationGrows well in most moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Though not strictly dioecious, plants in this species can be dominantly female or male, with only the former consistently producing berries. Specifically sexed clones are available, or plant in groups to ensure cross-pollination and berry production
PruningPruning group 8 (evergreens)
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood 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