About

A compact, bushy, evergreen shrub to 2m with dark green, oval leaves. Clusters of pink buds open to small, lightly fragranced creamy-white flowers over late winter and into spring, followed by blue-black berries.

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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
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
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, viburnum beetle and viburnum whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot