Growing a viburnum in a pot

Which variety to choose for pot cultivation?

To grow a viburnum in a pot, we recommend choosing the most compact varieties, particularly those that do not exceed 1.5 m in height at maturity. Dwarf varieties derived from laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) are particularly well-suited for pot cultivation.

Viburnum tinus Gwenllian

This variety of laurustinus has a beautiful compact and bushy habit, with glossy dark green evergreen leaves. In autumn and winter, it produces bouquet-like inflorescences made up of small pink flower buds that open to reveal lovely white-pink flowers.

• Height at maturity 1,50 m

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Viburnum davidii Angustifolium

This David viburnum features smaller leaves than the typical species and has a sturdy habit, forming a lovely groundcover cushion. Its foliage is evergreen, glossy dark green, accented by the red hue of the petioles and young shoots. In spring, it produces white flowers, which are followed by bluish-black fruits.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 80 cm

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Viburnum plicatum Kilimanjaro Sunrise

This Chinese viburnum stands out from other varieties with its narrow, pyramidal habit and tiered branches. It offers a stunning white-pink flowering in spring, and in autumn, its leaves take on a beautiful purple hue.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 1,60 m

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Viburnum burkwoodii Conoy

This Burkwood viburnum has a compact, rounded, and bushy habit. In spring, it produces pink flower buds that open into pleasantly fragrant white flowers, followed in autumn by red fruits that turn black at maturity. Its foliage takes on a coppery hue in autumn.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

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Viburnum utile Eskimo

This viburnum bears numerous pure white spherical inflorescences in April-May, resembling beautiful snowballs. It also offers lovely autumn foliage, coloured in red and purple.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1 m

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Viburnum Shiny Dancer

This small viburnum, with a rounded and dense habit, produces large bouquets of white flowers in spring. Its changing foliage is also appreciated: young leaves are red, then turn dark green in summer, before taking on a dark red-purple hue in autumn.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 80 cm

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What type of pot to choose?

It is important to choose a large, wide pot that measures at least twice the size of the root ball. If the pot is too small, the substrate may dry out quickly and the bush will soon feel cramped. Choose a pot that is at least 40-50 cm in width and depth, but this depends on the size and age of your bush. As it grows, it will need to be repotted into slightly larger pots each time. Regarding the material, you can choose a plastic or terracotta pot: plastic pots have the advantage of being much lighter and more economical, while terracotta pots are more aesthetically pleasing and allow for better aeration at the root level. However, the latter require more frequent watering. It is important that the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess watering to escape; otherwise, this could lead to root rot.

Viburnum plicatum ‘Kilimandjaro’ (photo: Denolf), Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’ (photo: Friedrich Strauss – Biosphoto) and Viburnum burkwoodii ‘Ann Russell’

Which substrate to choose?

Viburnums prefer rich, light, and well-drained soils. You can plant it in a bush compost, or create your own substrate by mixing garden soil, well-decomposed compost, and coarse sand for drainage. In any case, we recommend installing a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot, made up of clay balls or gravel.

When and how to plant?

You can plant the viburnum in a pot in early autumn or spring. The most important thing is to avoid periods of frost or extreme heat.

1. Moisten the root ball by placing it in a basin filled with water.
2. Install a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom of the pot, about 5 cm thick, to promote drainage and prevent excess moisture.
3. Then fill with about 1/3 of the substrate. For example, use a mix of garden soil, well-decomposed compost, and coarse sand.
4. Place the Viburnum in the centre of the pot, ensuring that the top of the root ball is 2-3 cm below the upper edge of the pot.
5. Add substrate all around to finish filling the pot, then lightly compact it.
6. Water generously.
7. You can add a layer of organic mulch on the surface. This will prevent the potting soil from drying out too quickly.

Most viburnums prefer partial shade, but Viburnum tinus and Viburnum burkwoodii prefer full sun. We recommend placing them in a sheltered spot away from the wind.

How to care for a viburnum in a pot?

Watering and Fertilising

Viburnums appreciate having their substrate kept moist in summer: remember to water regularly during the summer, especially during dry spells and heatwaves. Be vigilant as the substrate in pots dries out much faster than in the ground. A layer of organic mulch on the surface will help retain moisture for a bit longer. We also recommend adding some fertiliser in spring and summer to encourage growth and flowering.

Pruning

Generally, viburnums do not require pruning, or only very lightly, but you can intervene if you wish to restore a harmonious, balanced shape or maintain a compact habit. Evergreen species like Laurus nobilis can withstand severe pruning, but carry out light pruning on other viburnums, prioritising the removal of dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in spring, after flowering.

Diseases and Pests

Viburnums are susceptible to aphids, thrips, and the viburnum beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni), a small beetle that chews on the leaves, giving them a lace-like appearance. Occasionally, vine weevils may also consume the leaves. To combat aphids and thrips, you can dilute black soap in water (15 to 30 g of black soap per litre of water) and spray it on the foliage. For beetles and weevils, it is best to regularly inspect the bush to remove them manually. Finally, viburnums can be affected by armillaria, a fungal disease.

Feel free to consult our advice sheets to learn how to combat aphids, vine weevils, and armillaria.

Wintering

Viburnums are quite hardy shrubs, with most species tolerating negative temperatures of around –15 to –20 °C, however, some species like Laurus nobilis are more sensitive and are at risk when temperatures drop below –10 °C. If you live in a cold region, do not hesitate to bring the pot indoors for winter into a cold greenhouse or a bright, unheated room.

Repotting

You can repot the viburnum every two years, choosing a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one each time. This allows you to renew its substrate, which depletes over time, and to accommodate its growth by providing more space.