Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

2 other cultivars

shrub

Moonlit Lace Viburnum

Viburnum x hybrida 'Moonlit Lace'

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum is a diverse genus of woody shrubs valued for their opposite leaves, reliable spring inflorescences, and adaptability to varied garden soils. Many species produce flattened or rounded clusters of small flowers that support local insect pollinators before developing ornamental drupes.

'Moonlit Lace' is a compact, mounded evergreen hybrid of Viburnum davidii and Viburnum tinus selected for its exceptional tolerance to hot, humid summer conditions. The glossy, deep blue-green leaves feature prominent deep veins and red petioles, turning a rich burgundy color during cool fall weather beneath flat, lace-like clusters of white spring flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Glossy, deeply veined evergreen foliage that turns rich burgundy in winter, paired with white spring lacecap flowers.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, and tolerates high summer heat and humidity better than its parent species.

Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators during mid to late spring.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth to prevent settling.
Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle the roots, and apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the spring bloom finishes; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents new growth from emerging on those stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during extended dry spells to maintain foliage turgor.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support new growth.
Deadhead spent flower clusters in early summer to maintain a clean appearance.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or waterlogged soil.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood as it will not regenerate easily.
Do not overhead water in humid conditions to minimize the risk of powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingHedgeMass PlantingBorder EdgingSpecimen

Companion Plants

Heuchera Sarcococca Acer palmatum Loropetalum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Moonlit Lace Viburnum questions

What zones can Moonlit Lace Viburnum grow in?

Moonlit Lace Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Moonlit Lace Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Moonlit Lace Viburnum bloom?

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

Does Moonlit Lace Viburnum need full sun?

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

Is Moonlit Lace Viburnum drought tolerant?

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