About
Pure white flowers appear in the spring, followed by bright red berries after flowering. A dwarf, compact, hardy spreading shrub to around 1.8m in height with horizontal branches and dark green ovate, deeply-veined foliage which turns to purple-red in the autumn. Makes a good specimen shrub.
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, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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
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