Viburnum Viburnum opulus
Viburnum (Viburnum opulus) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Adoxaceae family. It grows 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) tall and 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
Plan Viburnum in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Viburnum at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Mature height | 2.5–4 m (8.2–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Viburnum toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: raw berries
Raw berries can cause stomach upset; pet toxicity varies by Viburnum species.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Viburnum
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Viburnum
- How far apart should I plant Viburnum?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft).
- Does Viburnum need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Viburnum need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Viburnum?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Viburnum flower?
- From about May for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Viburnum poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Raw berries can cause stomach upset; pet toxicity varies by Viburnum species.
- What grows well with Viburnum?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Viburnum. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Berries feed birds in autumn.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Elder (elderberry) Sambucus nigra
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides