shrub RHS Award

David Viburnum

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum davidii is a low-growing, mounding evergreen shrub prized for its distinctive, deeply veined, dark blue-green leaves that provide excellent texture.

This species is dioecious, and female plants produce stunning metallic turquoise-blue berries in fall if a male pollinator is planted nearby.

Uses & Benefits:

Its bold, architectural foliage provides year-round structure and texture in the shade garden. The metallic blue berries are a unique and striking feature in fall and winter.

Functions as an excellent low-maintenance groundcover or low border in shaded areas, effectively suppressing weeds once established.

The flowers provide nectar for early pollinators, and the berries offer a food source for birds and other wildlife in the fall and winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Western China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Amend heavy clay or poor soil with compost.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant at least one male for every five female plants to ensure berry production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Plant in a location protected from harsh afternoon sun.
Use an acidic mulch like pine straw or shredded bark.
Ensure good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in waterlogged or boggy conditions.
Don't prune heavily or late in the season.
Avoid fertilizing late in the summer, which can encourage tender new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Textural evergreen groundcoverWoodland garden foundation plantModern mass planting accent

Companion Plants

HostaFerns Rhododendron Heuchera Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

David Viburnum questions

What zones can David Viburnum grow in?

David 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 David Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does David Viburnum bloom?

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

Does David Viburnum need full sun?

David Viburnum does best in part shade.