Viburnum lantana
common wayfaring tree
A vigorous, deciduous shrub to about 5m in height, with finely toothed, broadly ovate grey-green leaves to 12cm long, and domed clusters of small tubular white flowers in late spring, followed by oval to rounded red fruits which ripen to black
Other common names
cotton treecoven tree
see morelithy tree
mealy tree
the cottoner
twistwood
wayfaring tree
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Grey Silver Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Red Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe Asia Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Suitable for shrub border or woodland garden. Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade. See viburnum cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood) in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle
Diseases
May be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.