1 / 4
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 7 years
Bloom Information
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
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green with three prominent parallel veins; leathery, slightly corrugatedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons