Viburnum: Planting, Pruning and Growing Guide

Botany

Viburnums comprise nearly 200 shrub species, as well as a few trees. The most well-known are probably the Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) or the Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus, also called Snowball tree). They are valued for their spring or winter flowering, decorative berries and foliage, which can take on beautiful autumn hues.

They now belong to the Adoxaceae family, a small family that includes elders. But they were previously classified in the Caprifoliaceae family, with Honeysuckle (botanists love change!). Viburnums are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere (Asia, Europe, North America). Many species are found in Asia, mainly in China, such as Viburnum davidii. The Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus), the Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) and Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) grow naturally in France. The Guelder-rose is found in damp forests and hedgerows, while the Laurustinus originates from the Mediterranean region.

Viburnum inflorescence, fruiting and foliage

The name Viburnum is thought to come from the Latin viere, meaning to weave or bind, as the branches are flexible and can be used for weaving. The Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) can thus be used in basketry.

Most Viburnums form bushes ranging in height from two to four metres. Some, like Viburnum lantana, can even reach five metres tall. There are also dwarf varieties, such as Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’, or Viburnum davidii: very handy if you’re short on space in your garden! With its low, spreading habit, Viburnum davidii can be used as ground cover. The Chinese Viburnum, Viburnum plicatum, has horizontal branches that give it a remarkable tiered habit.

Many species flower in spring (mostly in May and June): this is the case for Viburnum lantana, Viburnum davidii, Viburnum plicatum, Viburnum opulus, Viburnum x burkwoodii, and Viburnum rhytidophyllum. As for Viburnum x bodnantense and Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus), they flower in winter, usually between December and March, sometimes as early as November for the latter. They help us wait for spring by bringing their delicate blooms to the garden when it’s most lacking in flowers!

Viburnum lantana, botanical illustration

Viburnum flowers have a very pure and soft hue. They are white, more or less tinged with pink. Gathered in large flat inflorescences – reminiscent of Hydrangeas – or spherical, they take on the appearance of snowballs! This is the case with Viburnum opulus, also nicknamed Snowball tree. These inflorescences bring together a multitude of small five-lobed flowers. They are very slightly fragrant. Some species, however, are known for their powerful fragrance: this is the case with Viburnum carlcephalum and Viburnum x burkwoodii. The flowers are nectar-rich and attract pollinating insects.

Viburnums have simple leaves, with often very marked veins. The leaf edges are sometimes toothed. The Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) is remarkable for its superb three-lobed leaves! Those of Viburnum rhytidophyllum are surprising for their wrinkled, embossed appearance, due to their extremely pronounced veins!

The foliage is deciduous in Viburnum bodnantense, Viburnum plicatum, Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana, and takes on magnificent autumn hues, often red, orange or purple. It is semi-evergreen in Viburnum ‘Le Bois Marquis’ or V. hilieri ‘Winton’, whose foliage regenerates in spring with beautiful bronze colours in spring then dark green in summer, finishing copper-red in winter. As for the evergreen species, they allow you to create a bed that stays green even in mid-winter! This is the case with Viburnum tinus, Viburnum davidii, Viburnum x burkwoodii and Viburnum rhytidophyllum. Also discover the superb golden yellow foliage of Viburnum lantana ‘Aureum’!

After flowering, Viburnums are adorned with decorative berries. They are generally red or blue and sometimes turn black when ripe. They will attract birds to the garden! Viburnum opulus ‘Xanthocarpum’ is a variety prized for its superb bright yellow berries. To encourage fruiting, group several plants of the same species together, especially if you’re planting Viburnum davidii, which is dioecious.

Most Viburnums are perfectly hardy. This is the case, for example, with Viburnum opulus, Viburnum x bodnantense and Viburnum rhytidophyllum, which can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. The Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) is the least hardy species: down to -10°C.

Discover the superb Viburnum hilieri ‘Winton’ in video:

Species and varieties of Viburnum

The most popular varieties

Our favourite varieties

Other varieties to discover!

Guelder rose - Viburnum opulus

The Guelder-rose bears white umbel flowers in spring. Its toothed, three-lobed leaves, which turn beautiful shades of orange-red or even yellow in autumn, somewhat resemble those of maples! It produces red berries. It is often sold under the variety ‘Roseum’, whose white pom-pom inflorescences evoke large snowballs.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3,50 m

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Viburnum tinus - Laurustinus

Native to the Mediterranean Basin, the laurustinus, or Viburnum tinus, is prized for its long-lasting white blooms, evergreen foliage, and ease of cultivation. Despite its French name, it has no relation to laurel or thyme! It grows slowly and is well-suited to container cultivation, especially if you choose dwarf varieties!

• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Viburnum davidii - David viburnum

David’s Viburnum originates from China. It is one of the lowest-growing species! Its compact, spreading habit makes it ideal as ground cover. It bears white flowers in spring and evergreen leaves with three prominent parallel veins. Its blue fruits are highly decorative but only appear when planted in groups. It is relatively easy to grow.

• Flowering time July
• Height at maturity 1 m

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Viburnum burkwoodii

Burkwood’s Viburnum offers fragrant white flowers in spring, blooming from pink buds. Its glossy, semi-evergreen foliage turns red in autumn. Exceptionally hardy, it requires very little maintenance!

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

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Viburnum lantana

Also known as Wayfaring Tree or Cottony Viburnum, this variety features broad inflorescences, white flowers with long stamens, and rounded, downy leaves on the underside, giving it a soft, airy appearance. A gentle viburnum—hence its name! It produces red berries that turn black when ripe.

• Flowering time May to July
• Height at maturity 3 m

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Viburnum plicatum Lanarth

With its horizontal branches, this stunning Viburnum has a tiered, elegant habit. This gives it a unique style, especially when covered in countless pure white flowers. With its remarkable blooms and distinctive shape, it deserves to be grown as a standalone specimen! Its deciduous leaves turn beautiful shades in autumn. Its only drawback: it does not produce fruit.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Viburnum bodnantense Dawn

This deciduous species bears fragrant pink flowers on bare branches in winter—a delightful sight when the garden lacks blooms! Its leaves emerge later, first bronze or coppery when young, then dark green, turning lovely red hues in autumn.

• Height at maturity 2,50 m

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Snowball Viburnum - Viburnum opulus Roseum

This is our star variety! It bears stunning, abundant snowball-like inflorescences! Despite its name, they are white, not pink. It is also notable for its toothed leaves, bronze when young, then green, turning red in autumn. Note that this variety is sterile.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3,50 m

See the product sheet

Viburnum plicatum Mariesii Great Star

This variety features horizontal branches, giving it a beautiful tiered habit. During flowering, its branches are covered in large white blooms.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Viburnum Le Bois Marquis

This compact variety offers white flowers, followed by red berries that turn black when ripe. It bears lovely semi-evergreen foliage, bronze when young, then red in autumn. Plant it in a mixed hedge in moist soil! It also thrives in containers.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the product sheet

Viburnum tinus Eve Price

This Laurustinus produces beautiful pinkish-white flowers in winter. With its compact habit, it is ideal for small gardens. Grow it in pots or mixed hedges! Its glossy evergreen foliage provides privacy even in winter.

• Flowering time February to May
• Height at maturity 2 m

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Viburnum opulus Xanthocarpum

This Guelder-rose stands out with its yellow berries! It bears white flowers in spring, and its foliage turns magnificent purple shades in autumn. It is easy to grow.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Viburnum x carlcephalum

This variety is prized for its highly fragrant pinkish-white blooms! Its deciduous foliage turns red in autumn. It produces red berries that blacken when ripe. It grows slowly and prefers acidic soils.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Viburnum plicatum Kilimanjaro Sunrise

With its pyramidal shape, this is the perfect species for small gardens! It bears large pinkish-white flowers and attractive toothed, deciduous foliage that turns purple in autumn. It produces abundant red berries, turning black when ripe. It was named Plant of the Year at the 2015 Chelsea Flower Show.

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

See the product sheet

To choose the right Viburnum, explore our guide: “Viburnum: Which Variety to Choose?”

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Planting Viburnum

Where to plant?

Viburnums adapt to various soil types and can tolerate heavy, clay soils. Plant them in rich soil that remains moist in summer and preferably well-drained. When planted in light, deep soil, your Viburnums will be far less likely to fall ill, particularly from phytophthora! Avoid overly hot and dry locations (especially for Viburnum opulus), as well as waterlogged soils in winter! You can also improve drainage by adding gravel or clay pebbles during planting.

Most species prefer partial shade. However, some viburnums thrive in full sun, such as Viburnum tinus, Viburnum x burkwoodii, and Viburnum lantana.

Viburnums generally prefer neutral to acidic soils. Some, however, tolerate chalky soils, including Viburnum lantana, Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus), and Viburnum sargentii.

For evergreen species, choose a location sheltered from wind, especially if you live in a cold climate. Laurustinus, however, tolerates wind and sea spray well, making it ideal for coastal gardens.

Finally, some species can also be grown in large pots or containers. For this purpose, choose Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ or Viburnum davidii.

Of all Viburnums, Laurustinus is undoubtedly the least demanding. It is easy to grow and adapts to various conditions, making it the perfect shrub for beginner gardeners!

When to plant?

Plant deciduous varieties preferably in autumn, in October or November. For evergreen varieties, which are more sensitive to severe winter frosts, early spring (March-April) is best.

How to plant?

Plant Viburnums in groups to encourage decorative berries! This will improve pollination and fruiting, especially for species like Viburnum davidii. Generally, you’ll get more ornamental berries if several plants are grouped together.

For hedges, space viburnums at least 80 cm apart from other shrubs, and 4 to 5 metres if planting as a standalone specimen. This gives them enough room to grow.

Add some ericaceous compost if planting Viburnum davidii. Unlike Viburnum lantana, it prefers acidic soils!

Start by soaking the root ball in a bucket of water to encourage establishment and make subsequent watering easier. Dig a planting hole two to three times the size of the root ball—this is crucial for root development. Add some soil and compost to the bottom of the hole, along with a few handfuls of well-rotted manure. Place the root ball, ensuring it’s not planted too deep: the root collar should be level with the ground or slightly above. Backfill with soil and firm gently. Water thoroughly. Stake the plant if needed.

Continue watering regularly for the first few weeks after planting. During the first few years, water during summer droughts to help the viburnum establish a strong root system and become more drought-resistant.

→ Also check out our guides: Growing Viburnum in pots and Viburnum pests and diseases

Viburnum sargentii ‘Onondaga’

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Maintenance

We recommend mulching around your viburnums to keep the soil cool during summer. However, Viburnum opulus and Viburnum x burkwoodii tolerate drought quite well. Mulching can also provide extra protection during winter.

Viburnums thrive in rich soil—they are quite hungry for nutrients. To encourage growth, apply fertiliser or compost every spring. Weed the area, then spread a few handfuls of slow-release fertiliser or a layer of compost (2-3 cm) around the base of the shrub and work it into the soil with a rake.

Viburnums are susceptible to several diseases and pests. They can be attacked by aphids, weevils, and the Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni). Vine weevils may also nibble on the leaves. Learn all about vine weevils.

They are also prone to black spot disease and honey fungus. Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) is vulnerable to whiteflies, while Viburnum davidii is susceptible to phytophthora. (Find out more about diseases and pests affecting Laurustinus).

Discover how to prune viburnums in our tutorial.

Phytophthora and black spot disease are caused by fungi—avoid overwatering and add a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at planting time to improve drainage. To keep your viburnums healthy and disease-free—especially Viburnum plicatum, which is particularly vulnerable—plant them in light, deep, non-alkaline soil!

Pruning

Pruning viburnums isn’t always necessary. You may trim them to maintain a balanced shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Prune in spring, after flowering, on plants at least three or four years old. Light pruning is best for evergreen species. Deciduous varieties tolerate harder pruning and can even be cut back hard. We suggest pruning only when needed, especially if you want autumn berries—pruning after flowering will reduce berry production. Viburnums sometimes produce suckers or shoots from the base—remove these if they appear.

Viburnum lantana and Viburnum davidii respond well to light pruning, just to maintain shape and remove dead or misplaced stems. Viburnum x burkwoodii and Viburnum plicatum rarely need pruning. Laurustinus can withstand harder pruning, allowing for more formal shaping and controlled growth when planted as a hedge.

→ Learn more about pruning Laurustinus in our tutorial!

Propagation

You can propagate your Viburnum by sowing, cuttings, and layering. We recommend layering as it’s the simplest and quickest method. If you propagate viburnum, you’ll need to wait at least two years before planting it permanently in the garden. It’s also possible to propagate by digging up and transplanting its suckers—the new shoots that emerge from the ground and develop from the roots.

Sowing

We recommend cuttings or layering over sowing, as you’ll get beautiful plants more quickly. Propagating viburnum by sowing is a delicate operation that takes time. The seeds may take a long time to germinate (up to two years). However, viburnums sometimes reproduce on their own through self-seeding.

You can sow in autumn or in late winter from March onwards, under a cold frame. Generally, we advise harvesting the seeds in autumn and either sowing them immediately (after removing the pulp surrounding the seeds) or storing them in a cool place throughout winter for sowing in spring.

Some species, like the Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) or Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), require warm stratification (20°C) for one to two months, followed by cold stratification in the refrigerator for two to three months. This helps break their dormancy. Viburnum rhytidophyllum only needs a cold period of three months. You can then sow the seeds in spring.

To stratify the seeds, place a layer of sand in a tray. Position the seeds and cover with a second layer of sand. Then cover the tray with a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator.

For sowing, fill a tray with substrate. Sow the seeds, cover with a thin layer of compost, and lightly firm. Water and place the tray under a cold frame. Keep the substrate moist until germination. You can repot the young plants in spring.

Viburnum lantana

Cuttings

Take cuttings from viburnums in summer, from May to September. This process is easy to carry out.

You can take softwood cuttings in May or June (better for deciduous species like Viburnum opulus) or semi-hardwood cuttings from July to September (evergreen species like Viburnum davidii).

Prepare a tray by filling it with a mix of compost and sand. Water to moisten the substrate. Choose a healthy, young shoot. Cut a 10 cm section with a sharp knife, just below a node (where leaves attach to the stem). Remove the lower leaves if necessary. Plant the cutting and gently firm to ensure contact with the substrate. Keep the substrate moist. Two months later, you can pot the cuttings and overwinter them under a cold frame.

Layering

Layering is the easiest method to propagate Viburnum. Do this in early autumn, in September or October.

Choose a low, long, flexible branch and bend it towards the ground. Prepare the soil at this spot by loosening it, adding some compost, and digging a small trench about 10 cm deep. With a sharp knife, make a few shallow cuts on the underside of the shoot. Bend the branch to contact the soil at the incision point, cover lightly, and secure with a stone. Stake the tip upright. Water. Two months later, you can cut the branch to separate it from the parent plant.

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Association

With its rustic and natural charm, the viburnum is perfect for creating a living hedge! Species with dense evergreen foliage, such as Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) or Viburnum rhytidophyllum, will shield you from prying eyes even in the depths of winter. Pair them with Spireas, Photinia x fraseri, or Dogwoods.

For a romantic effect, combine Viburnum lantana with other soft-toned plants like Deutzias, Kolkwitzias, or Weigelias. And enjoy the fragrant blooms of Mock Oranges or Lilacs!

If your garden is small and space is limited, opt for species that thrive in large containers placed on a terrace: this is the case for Viburnum davidii or Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’. Plant a few flowers or ornamental grasses alongside them: Primroses, Grape Hyacinths, Hakonechloa macra, or Ophiopogon planiscapus.

If you choose Viburnum plicatum or Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, plant them as standalone specimens. Their exceptional structure and blooms will be showcased even more beautifully! You can also plant periwinkles, spring bulbs, or perennials at their base.

A planting idea: Deutzia, Weigelia florida ‘Polka’, and Viburnum lantana

Need a little more inspiration? Check out our planting guides: “Viburnum – 8 Successful Planting Combinations” and Pairing Laurustinus

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