About
A semi-evergreen shrub to 3m high, with oval to oblong green leaves to 10cm long, sometimes coarsely toothed and sometimes 3-lobed at the tips. Named for the unpleasant, strong smell of the leaves when crushed. These are followed by tight clusters of small oval-shaped red berries in autumn. Produces small, rounded clusters of tiny white flowers with purple anthers in mid to late 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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
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. May be deciduous in colder areas
PruningMinimal pruning required, if necessary prune immediately after flowering, though this will prevent development of berries
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