Species

Viburnum obovatumWalter's Viburnum

2 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum

Viburnum obovatum 'Mrs Schiller'

Same species

Species

Viburnum obovatumWalter's Viburnum

2 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

30+ years

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum obovatum, or Walter's Viburnum, is a tough and adaptable evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub native to the southeastern U.S. It features small, rounded leaves and is covered in tiny white flowers in spring. 'Mrs. Schiller's Delight' is a superior dwarf selection, forming a dense, compact, low-mounding shrub that is significantly smaller than the species. Its fine texture and profuse spring bloom make it an excellent substitute for boxwood.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This viburnum is a workhorse of the low-maintenance landscape, offering a neat, formal appearance without the work. Its fine-textured, small evergreen leaves create a look similar to boxwood, but it explodes in a cloud of white flowers in early spring.

Its toughness and adaptability are legendary. It thrives in sun or shade, wet or dry soil, and requires almost no pruning. It's an ideal choice for low hedges, foundation plantings, massing, or anywhere a durable, low-growing evergreen is needed.

As a southeastern U.S. native, it is an excellent ecological choice. The spring flowers are a valuable resource for native bees and other pollinators. The small black fruits that follow are eaten by birds.

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in almost any soil type, from sand to clay.
Choose a location from full sun to deep shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with soil and water in well.
Mulch to conserve moisture, though it's not strictly necessary once established.

Pro Tip

Though extremely drought tolerant once established, providing occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells will keep it looking its best.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first year to establish a deep root system.
Prune after flowering if you want to shape it.
Use it as a tough, native alternative to boxwood or holly.
Appreciate its adaptability to both wet and dry conditions.

Don't

Don't worry about soil pH; it's highly adaptable.
Avoid constant pruning; its natural form is attractive and low-maintenance.
Don't overwater once it's established.
Don't fertilize heavily; it thrives in average to lean soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable and fine-textured low hedgeTough evergreen foundation plantingExcellent groundcover for difficult sites

Companion Plants

Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' Myrica cerifera Serenoa repens Muhlenbergia capillaris Sabal minor

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum questions

What zones can Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum grow in?

Mrs. Schiller's Delight 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 Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum bloom?

Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum need full sun?

Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mrs. Schiller's Delight Viburnum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.