Viburnum x burkwoodii, Burkwood Viburnum
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Deciduous Shrubs

Viburnum x burkwoodii

Burkwood Viburnum

Adoxaceae

Garden hybrid; parent species from Korea and China

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height8-10 feet (2.4-3.0 m)
Width6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 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
Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Viburnum × burkwoodii is a semi-evergreen shrub reaching 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m) tall and 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) wide, with an upright to rounded habit. Leaves are ovate, 1.5–3.5 inches (4–9 cm) long, dark glossy green above and star-shaped hairy beneath; foliage persists through mild winters but drops in colder zones. In early to mid-spring, spherical cymes 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across open from pink buds to white flowers with a strong spicy-sweet fragrance detectable at 10–15 feet (3–5 m). Red fruits follow in summer and ripen to black by fall; fruit set is sparse without a second plant nearby for cross-pollination. Growth rate is moderate; plants reach approximately half their mature size within 5 years. A hybrid between V. carlesii and V. utile, it inherits fragrance from V. carlesii and glossy foliage from V. utile. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation.

Native Range

A garden hybrid with no native range. Parent species originate from Korea and China. First raised in England in 1924 by Burkwood and Skipwith nursery.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a specimen shrub, informal hedge, or screen. Used near entryways, patios, and windows where fragrance can be appreciated during bloom. Planted in mixed shrub borders where the semi-evergreen foliage provides structure from fall through spring. Cross-pollination with a second plant of a different selection improves fruit set.

How to Identify

Identified by its semi-evergreen habit with dark glossy leaves 1.5–3.5 inches (4–9 cm) long that are star-shaped hairy beneath, and spherical flower clusters 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across that open from pink buds to white flowers with a strong spicy-sweet fragrance. The 'x' in the name indicates hybrid parentage (V. carlesii × V. utile). Fruit clusters are red turning to black.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pink

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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Spring
Blooms March through April in zones 4–8, approximately 2–4 weeks earlier in warmer microclimates. Individual flower clusters last 2–3 weeks; total bloom period is 4–6 weeks. In zone 4 and 5, late frosts can damage open flowers. Secondary sporadic bloom occasionally occurs in fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white opening from pink buds

Foliage Description

dark glossy green above, lighter with star-shaped hairs beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 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
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-7 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the establishment period, typically the first 1–2 growing seasons. Established plants tolerate short dry spells but flower production decreases with prolonged drought during bud development in summer and fall. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid planting in low spots where cold air settles, as frost damages spring flowers. Powdery mildew appears in summer in humid climates with poor air circulation; prune to improve airflow rather than applying fungicide unless severe. Aphids occasionally colonize new shoot tips in spring; natural predators usually manage populations without intervention.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering ends in late spring to avoid removing next season's flower buds, which are set on current-season wood by late summer. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches at the base. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) can be done in late spring on overgrown specimens; expect reduced flowering for one full season.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown