Viburnum japonicum

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese viburnum
Japanese viburnum visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Viburnum odoratissimum misapplied
Viburnum macrophyllum Blume

Shrubs

A slow-growing evergreen shrub, to around 2m high in cultivation, with oval, glossy dark green leaves, sometimes with shallowly toothed or wavy edges, and with numerous tiny dark dots on the undersides. Produces dense, rounded clusters of very fragrant white flowers in early summer, though young plants are not as free-flowering. These are followed by persistent red berries in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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 ornamentalnot 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
Japan

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

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