Sweet Viburnum

Viburnum odoratissimum Ker-Gawl.

vie-BURN-um oh-dor-ah-TISS-ah-mum

Caprifoliaceae

Explanation of name: Viburnum is a Latin name for a similar plant. Odoratissimum means extremely smelly. (The flowers are fragrant.)

Natural range: Asia

Recognition: A large fast-growing shrub or small tree with glossy opposite, smooth-surfaced leaves having no or few marginal teeth (but see ‘Awabuki’ below). Similar to Viburnum suspensum but having smoother leaves, less-conspicuous lenticels, no or very little serration (vs. the leaves being serrate-crenate along the entire margin), and no bacon odor when crushed (contrary to remark in DEH).

Landscape uses: A large, robust shrub with broad tolerances. Often used as a clipped hedge, though fast growth requires frequent pruning. Sweet Viburnum is popular as a foundation plant and makes a dense tall privacy screen. The small, white, trumpet-shaped flowers in flat-topped inflorescences (panicles, corymbs) are attractive and fragrant. Nutrient deficiencies are common.

            The fast-growing cultivar ‘Awabuki’ has glossy upper leaf surfaces, particularly large, coarsely serrate teeth toward the apex, and dimensions up to 12’ X 7’ (STR). It flourishes in conditions from sun to shade (PBCC). STR stresses the need for moist conditions.