Viburnum burkwoodii, Burkwood viburnum
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Deciduous Shrubs

Viburnum burkwoodii

Burkwood viburnum

Adoxaceae

Garden hybrid (Burkwood & Skipwith, England, 1924)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Width5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Viburnum x burkwoodii is a semi-evergreen shrub reaching 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall with a spread of 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m), developing an upright, rounded to somewhat open form. A hybrid of V. carlesii × V. utile, raised by Burkwood and Skipwith Nurseries, England, in 1924. Leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to elliptic, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, glossy dark green above, gray-tomentose beneath. Foliage is semi-evergreen in the Pacific Northwest — typically persisting through mild winters, dropping in cold spells. Fall color on deciduous leaves is dull burgundy-red. Flowers are the primary ornamental feature: pink buds open to white, intensely fragrant, borne in dense, rounded terminal clusters (cymes) 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across in April to May. Fragrance is sweet, spicy, intoxicating — rivaling V. carlesii and carrying well through the garden. Fruit is red, ripening to blue-black, 0.3 inch (8 mm), in late summer to fall, sparse. Growth rate is moderate at 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) per year. More vigorous, larger, and more disease-resistant than the parent V. carlesii. The semi-evergreen habit provides winter structure that fully deciduous viburnums lack.

Native Range

Garden hybrid origin (Viburnum carlesii × Viburnum utile), raised by Burkwood and Skipwith Nurseries, Kingston upon Thames, England, in 1924.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, in mixed borders, and near entries and seating areas where the spring fragrance can be appreciated, spaced 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) apart. The semi-evergreen foliage provides winter structure that fully deciduous viburnums lack. Effective as an informal screen or hedge. Combines with other fragrant spring bloomers (Syringa, Daphne) for an extended fragrance garden. The cultivar 'Mohawk' has deeper red buds and excellent disease resistance.

How to Identify

Identified by semi-evergreen, glossy dark green leaves with gray-tomentose undersides, rounded clusters of intensely fragrant white flowers opening from pink buds in spring, and upright rounded habit. Distinguished from V. carlesii by larger size (6-10 vs 4-6 feet), semi-evergreen (not deciduous) foliage, and glossy (not dull, hairy) leaf upper surface. Distinguished from V. x bodnantense by spring (not winter) bloom and semi-evergreen (not deciduous) foliage.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread5' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Pink buds open to intensely fragrant white flowers in dense rounded clusters in April to May, lasting 2-3 weeks. Fragrance is sweet, spicy, and intoxicating — one of the most powerfully fragrant spring-blooming shrubs. Flowers attract bees and butterflies. Sparse red to blue-black fruit may follow in late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White from pink buds

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green above, gray-tomentose beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun to part shade; flowers best in more sun. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Good air circulation reduces bacterial leaf spot, which can be an issue in humid conditions. More vigorous and disease-resistant than V. carlesii. Mulch to maintain cool, moist root conditions.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in May to June. Thin oldest stems at the base every few years to maintain vigor and prevent the plant from becoming bare and leggy at the base. Shorten long stems to maintain shape. The semi-evergreen foliage means the plant has year-round presence — maintain a full, attractive form. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer through winter, which removes flower buds.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic