Viburnum is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae, previously classified under Caprifoliaceae (the honeysuckle family). The genus includes over 150 species, ranging from small deciduous shrubs to evergreen types. Viburnums are native to temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The reclassification to the Adoxaceae family is based on modern genetic studies, which revealed closer relationships to plants like elderberry (Sambucus).
The history of Viburnum spans centuries of horticultural use and natural distribution. Some species were used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, such as the bark of Blackhaw Viburnum, which served as a treatment for pain and cramps. In Europe and Asia, Viburnum species have long been admired in gardens for their ornamental flowers and striking fall colors, and many cultivars have been developed for specific aesthetic qualities.
Viburnum shrubs are typically known for their showy clusters of flowers, often white or pink, which bloom in spring or early summer. Depending on the species, these blooms may appear in flat-topped cymes, dome-shaped clusters, or even snowball-like arrangements. After flowering, most Viburnums produce small berries that ripen in vibrant colors like red, blue, or black, attracting birds and other wildlife.
Foliage is another key feature of Viburnum shrubs. Leaves vary in size, texture, and color across the genus. Some species have soft, toothed edges and deeply veined surfaces, while others have glossy, leathery, or evergreen leaves. In fall, deciduous varieties often put on a show with hues of red, orange, or purple, adding seasonal interest to gardens and landscapes.
These shrubs are highly valued for their versatility and resilience. They can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands, and cultivated gardens. Viburnums adapt well to a variety of soil types and light conditions, making them useful in landscaping as foundation plants, screens, hedges, or specimen shrubs. Their ability to attract pollinators and birds also makes them ecologically beneficial.
Overall, Viburnum shrubs offer a combination of beauty, hardiness, and ecological support. Whether grown for their flowers, fruits, or foliage, they play a prominent role in both wild and cultivated spaces. Their long-standing presence in gardens and landscapes reflects their enduring appeal across climates and cultures.
Viburnum Shrubs
Burkwood Viburnum
Burkwood viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii) is a semi-evergreen shrub, a hybrid of V. carlesii and V. utile, reaching 8–10 feet tall and 5–7 feet wide in USDA zones 4–8. It features glossy, dark green leaves that turn maroon in fall, with fragrant, white-to-pink snowball-like flower clusters blooming in April. Red berries ripen to black in late summer. Identify it by its dense, multi-stemmed growth, spicy-scented flowers, and vibrant fall foliage. It’s ideal for hedges due to its compact form and drought tolerance.
Cinnamon Viburnum
Cinnamon viburnum (Viburnum cinnamomifolium) is a large evergreen shrub, growing 10–20 feet tall and wide in zones 7–9, native to western China. Its thick, dark blue-green, oval leaves resemble those of the camphor tree, with three prominent veins. In early summer, it produces open clusters of small, dull white flowers, followed by blue-black berries. Identify it by its large, upright habit, waxy evergreen foliage, and sparse, non-fragrant flower clusters. Its a great choice for screens or specimen planting.
David Viburnum
David viburnum (Viburnum davidii) is a compact, evergreen shrub, 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, suited for zones 7–9. Native to western China, it has glossy, dark green, leathery leaves and small, white flower clusters in spring, followed by striking turquoise-blue berries in fall. Its low, spreading habit makes it ideal for ground cover. Identify it by its small stature, bold foliage, and vibrant berries, but avoid full sun in southern exposures to prevent leaf scorch.
Henry’s Viburnum
Henry’s viburnum (Viburnum henryi), an evergreen shrub from southwest China, grows 7–15 feet tall and 6 feet wide in zones 7–10. Its reddish young leaves mature to green, complementing fragrant white flower clusters in late spring. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, with sparse berries in fall. Identify it by its trainable single trunk, glossy foliage, and upright habit, suitable for hedges or small trees.
Korean Spice Viburnum
Korean spice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) is a deciduous shrub, 4–6 feet tall and wide, thriving in zones 4–7. Native to Japan and Korea, it’s prized for its intoxicatingly fragrant, pink-to-white snowball-like flowers in spring, followed by blue-black berries. Its ridged, deep green leaves turn red to purple in fall. Identify it by its spicy, clove-like flower scent, compact size, and vibrant autumn color, making it perfect for planting near patios or windows.
Laurustinus Viburnum
Laurustinus viburnum (Viburnum tinus) is an evergreen shrub, 6–12 feet tall and wide, native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa, suited for zones 7–9. Its glossy, dark green leaves resemble bay laurel, with pink-white flower clusters blooming from winter to spring. Blue-black berries follow. Identify it by its dense, bushy habit, winter blooms, and leathery foliage, ideal for hedges or low screens. Its shade tolerance and year-round appeal enhance mixed borders.
Leatherleaf Viburnum
Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum), native to central and western China, is a vigorous evergreen or deciduous shrub (depending on climate), growing 10–15 feet tall and wide in zones 5–8. Its large, deeply veined, blue-green leaves are fuzzy underneath, with creamy white flower clusters in spring and red-to-black berries in fall. Identify it by its coarse, leathery foliage and flat cyme flowers, making it a durable choice for hedges or focal points.
Nannyberry Viburnum
Nannyberry viburnum (Viburnum lentago), a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, grows 15–18 feet tall and 8–10 feet wide in zones 3–7. Its glossy, dark green leaves turn yellow, red, or purple in fall, with creamy white, flat-topped flower clusters in late spring and edible blue-black berries. Identify it by its arching branches, drought tolerance, and multi-colored fall foliage, ideal for hedges or wildlife gardens due to its berry production.
Snowball Bush Viburnum
Snowball bush viburnum (Viburnum opulus), also called European cranberrybush, is a deciduous shrub, 6–12 feet tall and wide, native to Europe and Asia, suited for zones 2–8. Its large, white, snowball-like flower clusters bloom in late spring, followed by scarlet berries resembling cranberries. Its deeply veined, maple-like leaves turn purplish-red in fall. Identify it by its hydrangea-like flowers and invasive potential in some U.S. regions.
Arrowwood Viburnum
Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum), native to eastern North America, is a deciduous shrub, 6–15 feet tall and wide, thriving in zones 2–8. Its lustrous green, toothed leaves turn fiery red, yellow, or purple in fall, with white, flat-topped flower clusters in spring and blue-black berries. Identify it by its erect, arching stems and dense foliage, perfect for hedges or mass plantings. Its adaptability to various soils enhances its landscaping versatility.
Tubeflower Viburnum
Tubeflower viburnum (Viburnum cylindricum), native to China and Southeast Asia, is an evergreen shrub, 8–16 feet tall and wide, suited for zones 5–9. Its waxy, dark green leaves bear lasting marks if scratched, with fragrant, tubular white flowers in spring and purple-black drupes in fall. Identify it by its unique leaf texture, spreading habit, and long, drooping foliage. Its good for borders or specimen planting.
Wayfaring Tree Viburnum
Wayfaring tree viburnum (Viburnum lantana), native to Europe and western Asia, is a deciduous shrub, 10–15 feet tall and wide, thriving in zones 4–8. Its thick, dark green leaves turn purple-red in fall, with white spring flowers and red-to-black berries. Identify it by its leggy growth, fuzzy leaves, and drought tolerance, though it may be invasive in some areas. It’s ideal for hedges but requires monitoring for leaf beetle issues.
Doublefile Viburnum
Doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum), native to Japan and China, is a deciduous shrub, 8–10 feet tall and 9–12 feet wide, suited for zones 5–8. Its horizontal, tiered branches create a layered effect, with white lacecap flowers in spring and red-to-black berries. Leaves turn red-purple in fall. Identify it by its distinctive branching pattern and flat, showy flower clusters, perfect for specimen planting or borders. Cultivars like ‘Mariesii’ enhance its appeal.
Mapleleaf Viburnum
Mapleleaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), native to eastern North America, is a deciduous shrub, 4–6 feet tall and wide, thriving in zones 4–8. Its three-lobed, maple-like leaves turn pink, purple, or orange in fall, with creamy white, flat-topped flower clusters in spring and black berries persisting into winter. Identify it by its loose, spreading habit and maple-like foliage, ideal for woodland gardens or naturalized areas due to its suckering growth.
Witherod Viburnum
Witherod viburnum (Viburnum cassinoides), native to eastern North America, is a deciduous shrub, growing 5–12 feet tall and wide, suited for USDA zones 3–8. Its oval, glossy green leaves turn shades of red, orange, or purple in fall, with creamy white, flat-topped flower clusters in early summer, followed by berries transitioning from green to pink, red, blue, and black. Identify it by its multi-colored berry clusters and slightly wrinkled leaves, ideal for wetland edges or wildlife gardens due to its adaptability to moist soils.
Siebold Viburnum
Siebold viburnum (Viburnum sieboldii), native to Japan, is a deciduous shrub or small tree, 15–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide, thriving in zones 4–7. Its large, glossy, dark green leaves have a leathery texture and turn reddish in fall, with creamy white, flat-topped flowers in late spring and red-to-black berries. Identify it by its coarse, veined foliage and stout, upright habit, often used as a specimen or screen. Its strong structure and bold leaves make it a focal point in landscapes.
Tea Viburnum
Tea viburnum (Viburnum setigerum), native to China, is a deciduous shrub, 8–12 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide, suited for zones 5–7. Its ovate, dark green leaves turn red in fall, with small, white flower clusters in spring and abundant, bright red berries used historically for tea. Identify it by its loose, open habit, vibrant berry display, and slightly pointed leaves, perfect for ornamental borders or wildlife gardens. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Bracted viburnum
Bracted viburnum (Viburnum bracteatum), native to the southeastern U.S., is a deciduous shrub, 6–10 feet tall and wide, thriving in zones 5–8. Its broad, dark green leaves turn bronze to red in fall, with white, flat-topped flowers in spring, accented by large, showy bracts, and blue-black berries. Identify it by its unique bracted flowerheads and compact, rounded habit, ideal for woodland edges or mixed borders. It tolerates shade and attracts pollinators.
Bitchiu viburnum
Bitchiu viburnum (Viburnum bitchiuense), native to Japan and Korea, is a deciduous shrub, 5–8 feet tall and wide, suited for zones 5–7. Its oval, dark green leaves turn reddish-purple in fall, with fragrant, pinkish-white flower clusters in spring and sparse black berries. Identify it by its smaller stature, delicate foliage, and sweet-scented flowers, similar to Korean spice viburnum but less common. It’s excellent for small gardens or near pathways to enjoy its fragrance.
Dense-flowered viburnum
Dense-flowered viburnum , a variety of mapleleaf viburnum native to eastern North America, is a deciduous shrub, 3–6 feet tall and wide, thriving in zones 4–8. Its three-lobed, maple-like leaves turn vibrant pink to purple in fall, with dense, white flower clusters in spring and black berries. Identify it by its compact form, denser flowers than the species, and woodland adaptability, perfect for naturalized settings or shade gardens.
Erose viburnum
Erose viburnum (Viburnum erosum), native to Japan, is a deciduous shrub, 6–10 feet tall and wide, suited for zones 6–8. Its serrated, dark green leaves turn red in fall, with small, white flower clusters in late spring and red-to-black berries. Identify it by its finely toothed leaf margins and open, airy habit, less common in cultivation but valued for ornamental borders. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade for best growth.
Forked viburnum
Forked viburnum (Viburnum furcatum), native to Japan and the Russian Far East, is a deciduous shrub, 8–12 feet tall and wide, thriving in zones 5–7. Its large, heart-shaped leaves turn red to purple in fall, with white lacecap flowers in spring and red berries. Identify it by its bold foliage, forked branching pattern, and shade-loving nature, ideal for woodland gardens or as a specimen. It requires acidic, moist soil to thrive.
Fragrant snowball viburnum
Fragrant snowball viburnum (Viburnum x carlcephalum), a hybrid of V. carlesii and V. macrocephalum, is a deciduous shrub, 6–10 feet tall and wide, suited for zones 6–8. Its dark green leaves turn reddish in fall, with large, fragrant, white snowball flowers in spring and sparse berries. Identify it by its intense flower fragrance, rounded habit, and large blooms, perfect for borders or near patios. It tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Service viburnum
Service viburnum (Viburnum utile), native to China, is an evergreen shrub, 4–6 feet tall and wide, suited for zones 6–8. Its glossy, dark green, oval leaves complement small, white flower clusters in spring, followed by blue-black berries. Identify it by its compact, dense growth and shiny foliage, often used in hybrid breeding (e.g., Burkwood viburnum). It’s ideal for low hedges or mixed borders, thriving in well-drained soil and partial shade.
Fragrant viburnum
Fragrant viburnum (Viburnum farreri), native to northern China, is a deciduous shrub, 6–10 feet tall and wide, suited for zones 5–8. Its bronze young leaves mature to green, turning red in fall, with fragrant, pink-to-white flower clusters blooming in late fall or early winter, followed by red berries. Identify it by its early blooms, upright habit, and spicy fragrance, ideal for winter interest in mixed borders. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Buddleia-leaf viburnum
Buddleia-leaf viburnum (Viburnum buddleifolium), native to China, is a semi-evergreen shrub, 6–10 feet tall and wide, suited for zones 6–8. Its long, narrow, fuzzy leaves resemble those of buddleia, turning reddish in fall, with white flower clusters in spring and black berries. Identify it by its soft, woolly foliage and loose, spreading habit, suitable for informal hedges or woodland gardens. It thrives in partial shade and moist, acidic soil.
Mongolian viburnum
Mongolian viburnum (Viburnum mongolicum), native to Mongolia and northern China, is a deciduous shrub, 3–6 feet tall and wide, suited for zones 4–7. Its small, oval, dark green leaves turn yellow-red in fall, with white flower clusters in spring and red-to-black berries. Identify it by its compact size, delicate foliage, and cold hardiness, ideal for small gardens or cold climates. It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates full sun to shade.
Bodnant viburnum
Bodnant viburnum (Viburnum x bodnantense), a hybrid of V. farreri and V. grandiflorum, is a deciduous shrub, 8–10 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide, suited for zones 5–7. Its ovate, green leaves turn red in fall, with fragrant, pink flower clusters blooming from late fall to early spring, followed by sparse berries. Identify it by its winter blooms, bronze new growth, and upright habit, perfect for seasonal interest near walkways. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.