Species

Viburnum obovatumWalter's Viburnum

2 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Dwarf Walter's Viburnum

Viburnum obovatum 'Dwarf Walter'S'

Same species

Species

Viburnum obovatumWalter's Viburnum

2 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum obovatum, Walter's Viburnum, is a tough, adaptable, fine-textured evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub native to the southeastern U.S. It produces masses of small white flowers in spring. 'Densa' is a popular dwarf, compact, and slow-growing cultivar that forms a dense, tight mound. Its small leaves and tight habit make it an excellent substitute for boxwood in warmer climates.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a fine-textured, evergreen presence in the garden, covered with a profusion of white flowers in early spring. Its dense, compact form is highly valued for structure.

An outstanding choice for low formal or informal hedges, borders, and foundation plantings. Its toughness makes it suitable for difficult urban or coastal sites.

The spring flowers are an early nectar source for pollinators, and the small black fruits that follow are eaten by birds.

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun to part shade.
Tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Once established, it is quite drought tolerant.

Pro Tip

Shear after the main spring bloom to maintain its dense form and encourage bushiness without sacrificing flowers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it as a low-maintenance hedge or foundation plant.
Prune after flowering to shape.
Provide supplemental water during extreme drought.

Don't

Don't plant in constantly waterlogged soil.
Avoid heavy pruning late in the year.
Don't worry about pests; it's very resilient.

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

Low formal hedge or borderDurable foundation plantingEvergreen mass planting

Companion Plants

Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' Loropetalum chinense Gardenia jasminoides Aspidistra elatior Muhlenbergia capillaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf Walter's Viburnum questions

What zones can Dwarf Walter's Viburnum grow in?

Dwarf Walter's 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 Dwarf Walter's Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Dwarf Walter's Viburnum bloom?

Dwarf Walter's 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 Dwarf Walter's Viburnum need full sun?

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

Is Dwarf Walter's Viburnum drought tolerant?

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