Viburnum odoratissimum var. awabuki
Sweet viburnum
Also known as Viburnum odoratissimum (misapplied), Viburnum awabuki
- Height × spread
- 2.6m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Generally available in Spring & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A very handsome plant with rich green glossy leaves. These are large rather laurel like, though more refined. It makes a handsome bell shaped shrub, clad to the ground with foliage. There are pyramid-shaped panicles of white fragrant flowers that come in late summer. These are followed by fruits that are red at first and mature to black. The shrub has a show of colour in late winter and early spring when the old leaves take on good colours before leaf fall. This is a tender plant, best grown in the warmest parts of the country, or given the protection of a warm wall.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet-vanilla
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 2.6m
- Spread
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Structural, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Prune lightly after flowering
Give the plant a light haircut, generally tidying it up and removing any shoots that are wayward or damaged in any way. Dead flowers can be cut off if this is practical - the shrub may have too many, or they may be hard to reach.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Found in
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