Viburnum
Viburnum spp.
Viburnums are a large group of shrubs offering flowers, scent, berries and autumn colour. They range from evergreen hedging plants to spring-flowering snowball bushes.
Photo: Wouter Hagens · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, Partial sun
Watering
Moderate
Water young shrubs regularly; established plants need water in dry spells.
Soil
Moist, well-drained soil; pH 5.5–7.5.
Temperature and humidity
-30–35 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Mulch with compost in spring.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings, layering
Prune lightly after flowering.
Not seriously toxic, but the raw berries of some species cause stomach upset.
Top Cultivation Tips
Plant two varieties for better berries.
Laurustinus flowers in winter.
Good for wildlife hedges.
Check for aphids on new shoots.
Common problems
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new shoots and buds, sucking sap and leaving sticky honeydew behind.
How to treat it →DiseaseLeaf spot
Fungal or bacterial infections that cause brown, black or purple spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo, leading to early leaf drop.
How to treat it →DiseasePowdery mildew
A fungal disease that coats leaves, buds and young shoots with a white, flour-like dust, weakening the plant and spoiling flowers and fruit.
How to treat it →
