How to Grow Viburnum

There are more than a 100 species of viburnum, ranging from deciduous shrubs with showy white hydrangea-like flowers to bushy evergreen viburnums that make a perfect hedge. They are very tough plants and there are different varieties to suit most climates.

Full Sun to Part Shade

Water Until Established & During Hot Weather

Fertile, Moist & Well-Drained

Suitable for Most Climates

How to Grow Viburnum in a Garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development, healthy foliage and lots of flowers.

How to Grow Viburnum in a Pot

Step 1

Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot. Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.

Step 2

Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 5

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development, healthy foliage and lots of flowers.

Types of Viburnum

Popular varieties include:

Viburnum tinus
Viburnum x burkwoodii
Viburnum opulus 'Snowball'
Viburnum odoratissimum

Ideal for hedges, prune in spring after flowering

Viburnum Growing Tips

Do Viburnums Make Good Hedges?

Viburnums are one of the hedging plants used in Australia. They get minimal pests, they're easy to grow, they're fast-growing, and their lush and bushy foliage looks great. A highly recommended hedging plant.

How Far Apart Should I Plant a Viburnum Hedge?

If you are growing a semi-formal Viburnum hedge, then plant half a metre apart (i.e., two per metre).

If you are growing Viburnum as a screen, plant 1-1.5 metres apart.

Common Problems of Viburnum

Why Are My Viburnum Leaves Speckled with Silver & Brown?

The biggest pest of Viburnum is Thrips. These are very small, long and thin pests that can be found on the underside of leaves alongside black blobs of poo.

To treat, spray with Yates Nature's Way Vegie & Herb Spray Concentrate - suitable for use in organic gardens.

How to Prevent Pests & Diseases of Viburnum

Viburnum plants that are not well cared for are the most susceptible to pest and disease attack. Make sure the plants are adequately watered and feed with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Why Are My Viburnum Leaves Yellowing?

Yellowing leaves with green veins an indicator of iron deficiency, which may caused by high soil pH. A high soil pH prevents the uptake of iron by the plant.

Apply Yates Leaf Green Iron Chelate Fertiliser to the plant to help alleviate issues with iron deficiency. Also, check the soil pH and adjust if needed.