About
A large, semi-evergreen or evergreen shrub to about 3m tall from central China, with elliptic, dark green, prominently veined, leathery leaves and upright, conical panicles of small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in summer, followed by oval, red berries ripening to black. An architectural and ornamental shrub for a sheltered border in a mild garden.
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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toMediterranean
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, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade with protection from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 8; tolerant of hard pruning
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe 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