Burkwood Viburnum

Burkwood Viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii)

Burkwood Viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii) is a refined, semi evergreen shrub celebrated for intensely fragrant spring flowers, clean dark green foliage, and reliable structure. Rounded plants burst from rosy pink buds into clusters of creamy white blooms in mid spring, then may set glossy red to black fruit that birds enjoy. With a naturally tidy habit and occasional fall color in shades of burgundy, it delivers four season appeal in mixed borders, foundations, and entry plantings.

Distinctive Features

Sweetly fragrant, clove like bloom trusses open from pink buds and blanket the shrub at peak; foliage is lustrous and holds well into winter in mild climates; fruit displays best with a compatible pollinator nearby; overall habit is dense and rounded, providing a polished look with minimal pruning.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best flowering in at least 4 to 6 hours of sun.
• Soil: Well drained loam is ideal, but adaptable to a range of garden soils with drainage.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically 6 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide, rounded.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Spring fragrance and bloom make a standout near paths and patios.
• Foundation Plantings: Dense, tidy habit frames entrances and windows.
• Mixed Borders: Pairs well with evergreens and spring bulbs for layered interest.
• Wildlife Gardens: Flowers support pollinators; fruit feeds songbirds.
• Screening: Plant in a staggered row for a fragrant, informal screen.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Minimal; if needed, prune just after flowering to maintain shape and avoid removing next year�s buds.
• Feeding: Apply compost or a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring if growth is light.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, kept off stems.
• Watering: Deep, occasional watering in summer droughts improves vigor and bloom set.
• Pollination: For best fruiting, plant with another compatible viburnum that blooms at the same time.

Why Choose Burkwood Viburnum?

• Exceptional Fragrance: Powerful, sweet spring perfume near living spaces.
• Four Season Interest: Buds, bloom, glossy foliage, and optional fruit and fall color.
• Tidy Structure: Naturally rounded habit needs little shaping.
• Adaptable and Durable: Performs in sun or light shade with average care.
• Wildlife Friendly: Pollinator friendly flowers and bird attracting fruit.

Viburnum x burkwoodii brings head turning fragrance and year round polish to the landscape, thriving in sunny to lightly shaded sites with well drained soil and modest upkeep.