Viburnum lentago
sheepberry
A vigorous deciduous shrub or small tree, to around 5m high, with an upright habit and oval-shaped, glossy green leaves with long, pointed tips. Dome-shaped clusters of tiny, creamy white flowers are produced in late spring, followed by pale green berries that ripen to blue-black. Leaves turn varying shades of yellow, red and purple in autumn.
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 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 | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Red Yellow Purple | Blue Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in most moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings 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.