Viburnum foetidum
A semi-evergreen shrub to 3m high, with oval to oblong green leaves to 10cm long, sometimes coarsely toothed and sometimes 3-lobed at the tips. Produces small, rounded clusters of tiny white flowers with purple anthers in mid to late summer. These are followed by tight clusters of small oval-shaped red berries in autumn. Named for the unpleasant, strong smell of the leaves when crushed
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. May be deciduous in colder areas
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
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, if necessary prune immediately after flowering, though this will prevent development of berries
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle
Diseases
May be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot
Get involved
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