What hardiness zones is Viburnum davidii suitable for?

Viburnum davidii is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Viburnum davidii?

Viburnum davidii requires Part Shade.

How much water does Viburnum davidii need?

Viburnum davidii has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Viburnum davidii

David viburnum

Adoxaceae

Western China — Sichuan and Hubei provinces

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitMounding

FoliageEvergreen

Height3-5 feet (90-150 cm)

Width3-5 feet (90-150 cm)

Maturity7 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A compact, dome-shaped evergreen shrub reaching 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) tall and 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) wide. Leaves are opposite, elliptic to ovate, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, leathery, glossy dark green with three prominent parallel veins running from base to tip, giving the leaf surface a slightly corrugated or puckered texture. Small, dull white flowers appear in flat-topped terminal cymes 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across from May through June. The species is dioecious to partially dioecious; when both male and female plants are present, female plants produce metallic turquoise-blue drupes approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long that persist from fall into winter. Growth rate is slow to moderate, adding 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) per year. Plants reach mature size in 5-7 years. Berry production requires cross-pollination between plants; a minimum of two genetically distinct individuals is needed. In exposed sites, winter wind can cause leaf desiccation and marginal browning. Plants in full sun develop a denser, more compact form than those in shade, which tend to become open and leggy.

Native Range

Native to western China, specifically the provinces of Sichuan and Hubei. Found in mountain forests and scrubland at elevations of 5,000-9,000 feet (1,500-2,700 m).

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in foundation plantings, woodland borders, and shaded gardens at 3-4 foot (90-120 cm) spacing. Frequently used as a low evergreen hedge or mass planting. Grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L); container plants require consistent moisture and winter protection in exposed locations.

How to Identify

Identified by leathery, glossy dark green leaves with three prominent parallel veins running from base to tip, creating a corrugated appearance. Leaves are 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long and arranged oppositely on stiff stems. Flat-topped clusters of dull white flowers appear in late spring. Metallic turquoise-blue berries on female plants in fall and winter are the most distinctive feature, though dependent on pollination.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 7 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Flowers from May through June. Individual flower clusters persist 2-3 weeks; total bloom period extends 3-4 weeks. Flowers are pollinated by insects. Berries develop over the summer, coloring to metallic turquoise-blue by September and persisting through December or January.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Dull white

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green with three prominent parallel veins; leathery, slightly corrugated

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 3-8 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 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-7 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Once established, supplemental irrigation is needed during dry periods exceeding 2 weeks. Tolerates a range of soil types but performs best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. Apply 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Site in partial shade to full sun; in full sun, ensure consistent moisture to prevent leaf scorch. For berry production, plant a minimum of two genetically distinct individuals within 30 feet (9 m) of each other; plants propagated from the same clone will not cross-pollinate. Viburnum beetle larvae may skeletonize leaves in late spring; monitor and remove affected leaves.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required due to the naturally compact habit. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Light shaping can be done after flowering. Avoid heavy pruning; the slow growth rate means recovery takes 2-3 years. Thinning a few of the oldest stems at ground level every 3-4 years helps maintain vigor.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic