Viburnum odoratissimum Ker Gawl.
sweet viburnum
A large, vigorous evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 5m high, with warty bark and elliptic to oblong glossy green leaves up to 20cm long, that are shallowly serrated towards the tips. Large, cone-shaped clusters of small, very fragrant white flowers are produced in summer, followed by small, oval-shaped berries that turn red and then black as they mature
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- 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
- SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, with protection from cold, drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by grafting in late summer or winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 8 (evergreens)
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.