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Viburnum grandiflorum f. foetens

stinking Himalayan viburnum

A dense, rounded to spreading deciduous shrub up to 3m tall with ovate, dark green, prominently veined leaves. Dense clusters of fragrant, white flowers, sometimes pale pink in bud, open on bare branches in winter and may be followed by ovoid red fruits that turn black

Synonyms
Viburnum grandiflorum Foetens Group
Viburnum foetens

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Black Red
Autumn Green
Winter White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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

Plant range
W Himalaya

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade; does well in chalky soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in summer or by layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1 - prune lightly after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot

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