shrub

Shiny Dancer Viburnum

Viburnum 'Shiny Dancer'

The Story

Plant Bio

Shiny Dancer is a complex hybrid viburnum (V. x 'Conoy' x V. davidii) developed for its compact habit and exceptionally glossy foliage. It is a dense, mounding, semi-evergreen shrub.

Its most prominent feature is its extremely shiny, dark green, leathery leaves that take on a rich burgundy-red color in fall and winter. It produces white flowers followed by metallic blue fruit if a pollinator is present.

Uses & Benefits:

A premier foliage plant, featuring incredibly glossy, semi-evergreen leaves that shift to a stunning burgundy in winter. White spring flowers and blue fall fruit add to its appeal.

Its compact, mounding habit makes it an excellent low-maintenance choice for foundation plantings, low hedges, or massing on slopes.

The flowers attract pollinators, and when pollinated, the blue fruits are a food source for birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Garden origin (USA)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade for best foliage color.
Ensure the soil is well-drained.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot.
Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery pot.
Backfill, water well, and mulch.
Provide consistent water until established.

Pro Tip

Plant with 'Chesapeake' or 'Conoy' viburnum to ensure cross-pollination for the attractive metallic blue fruit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it where the glossy foliage can be appreciated up close.
Provide a pollinator partner like 'Conoy' for fruit.
Enjoy the fantastic winter foliage color.

Don't

Don't plant in waterlogged soil.
Avoid hot, reflective afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
Don't shear; it has a naturally tidy habit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Glossy low hedge or foundation plantYear-round interest in mixed bordersContainer specimen for foliage texture

Companion Plants

Helleborus Heuchera Carex 'Evergold'Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'Viburnum 'Conoy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shiny Dancer Viburnum questions

What zones can Shiny Dancer Viburnum grow in?

Shiny Dancer Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shiny Dancer Viburnum deer resistant?

Yes — Shiny Dancer Viburnum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shiny Dancer Viburnum bloom?

Shiny Dancer Viburnum typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shiny Dancer Viburnum need full sun?

Shiny Dancer Viburnum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.