Viburnum davidii – Tough Evergreen Shrub with Year-Round Appeal

Viburnum davidii is a compact, low-growing evergreen shrub prized for its striking dark green, leathery leaves with prominent veining, creating bold texture and colour in the garden year-round. In late spring (May to June), it produces clusters of small white flowers, followed by vibrant metallic blue berries in autumn, particularly when male and female plants are grown together.

Growing to around 1–1.5m in height and spread, it forms a neat, rounded shape perfect for low hedging, ground cover, or underplanting larger shrubs and trees.

Best positioned in partial shade or full sun, Viburnum davidii prefers moist but well-drained soil and is tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay. It’s ideal for woodland gardens, mixed borders, and shaded corners.

Care tips: Water regularly during the first year to help establish. Once mature, it’s drought-tolerant and low maintenance. Apply mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support flowering and berry production.

Prune lightly after flowering to remove spent blooms and maintain a tidy shape. Hard pruning is rarely needed.

Viburnum davidii is a reliable, evergreen choice for year-round structure, subtle flowers, and ornamental berries in UK gardens.