Sweet Viburnum

Introduction

Potentially very large evergreen shrub or small tree, at maturity sweet viburnum may reach 20 feet in height and 15 feet wide. The leaves are smooth, bright green and about 6 inches long. Tiny white flowers are held in great panicles in spring and are pleasingly fragrant. Berries are drupes that turn from red to black and are attractive to birds. Mature specimens are more likely to fruit.

Use and Management

Use sweet Viburnum as a hedge when a tall, thick, impenetrable screen is desired. It is used for noise control, often by planting as a buffer between neighborhoods and highways. It may also be pruned to be tall but narrow, and used for complete enclosure of patio gardens. Plant sweet Viburnum ad a specimen and leave it to it own devices to become an attractive, evergreen tree that is perfect for small or formal settings. Don not plant too close to buildings or other structures.

It is one of the most gratifying shrubs to use as a hedge, because of its fast growth and the beautiful springtime fragrance. It’s beautiful, versatile and rarely bothered by pests or disease.

Additional Characteristics

• Soil Moisture: Moist, well-drained
• Uses: Mass planting; hedge, foreground, border, accent plant
• Additional Features: Does not attract wildlife
• Special Resistance: N/A

Planting

• Available in 1, 3 or 5 gal containers.
• Suggested plant spacing are:
• Plant 36” OC for hedge
• Bed Preparation:
• Spread 3” of bed mix in ground cover beds
• Till 6” deep, rake beds to drain away from structure
• Plant
• Topdress with 2” of double ground (fine) hardwood mulch.
• Pocket Plant where needed.
• Hand water in after planting
• Set sprinkler controller to water beds:
• Once every two days for two weeks in spring and early fall.
• Once a day for two weeks when temperatures reach 98+ degrees.
• Have Owner monitor moisture and report over or under watering immediately.
• After two weeks reassess the watering needs, and set at twice a week thereafter.