Viburnum davidii

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Viburnum davidii, one of the most spectacular and architecturally striking evergreen shrubs for gardens, where bold dark green glossy foliage with prominent veining, compact spreading habit, and stunning metallic blue berries combine to create stunning displays of year-round structure and exceptional seasonal interest that bring months of architectural presence and striking autumn/winter berry displays with remarkable elegance making this perfect for adding evergreen ground cover, bold foliage texture, and shade garden interest to mixed borders, woodland gardens, and contemporary landscapes where shade tolerance and year-round presence are essential. This exceptional species offers remarkable qualities—bold dark green glossy leathery leaves with prominent parallel veining creating architectural texture and year-round presence, compact low spreading habit creating excellent ground cover and weed suppression, stunning metallic blue to turquoise-blue berries (on female plants when male pollinator present) providing spectacular autumn/winter interest, delicate white to pinkish-white spring flowers, and outstanding shade tolerance thriving in partial to full shade throughout UK and Ireland with remarkable vigour, making this one of the most rewarding and versatile choices for adding architectural evergreen presence, striking blue berries, and reliable shade garden interest to gardens.

Throughout the seasons, this captivating shrub displays spectacular year-round interest—the foliage is the primary ornamental feature providing constant presence in all seasons. The leaves are oval to elliptical, measuring 8-15cm long and 3-6cm wide with smooth edges and pointed tips creating bold architectural effect. The leaf texture is thick, leathery, and glossy creating substantial presence. The leaf colour is dark green to very dark green on upper surface with lighter green undersides. The most distinctive feature is the prominent parallel veining—three prominent veins run lengthwise along each leaf creating striking ribbed texture and architectural pattern. The veining is deeply impressed on upper surface and raised on undersides creating tactile interest. The foliage is evergreen, providing year-round structure and colour—in winter, the dark green colour may deepen slightly. The foliage is arranged in opposite pairs creating neat symmetrical appearance. In late spring to early summer (May-June), the plant produces delicate flowers—the flowers are small, tubular, and arranged in flat-topped clusters (cymes) measuring 5-8cm across. The flower colour is white to pinkish-white creating subtle displays. The flowers are lightly fragrant. Flowering is attractive but not the primary ornamental feature. Following flowering, female plants produce the most spectacular feature—stunning berries that ripen in autumn (September-October) and persist through winter. The berries are oval, measuring 6-8mm long, and the colour is the plant’s most striking feature—metallic blue to turquoise-blue to steel-blue creating jewel-like displays. The berries are produced in clusters creating substantial impact. IMPORTANT: Viburnum davidii is dioecious (separate male and female plants)—female plants produce berries only when a male plant is nearby for pollination. For best berry production, plant at least one male with several females (ratio 1 male to 3-5 females). The berries are attractive to birds in late winter. The growth habit is compact, low, and spreading—the plant forms dense mounded cushion creating ground cover effect. Mature plants typically reach only 0.6-1m tall but spread 1-1.5m wide, creating dramatic horizontal presence—significantly wider than tall. Growth is slow to moderate, adding 10-20cm annually. The overall effect is architectural, elegant, and striking—like having bold glossy foliage with prominent veining creating year-round structure and stunning metallic blue berries adding jewel-like autumn/winter displays with excellent shade tolerance.

Native to western China where Viburnum davidii grows wild in mountain woodlands and shaded valleys, this species was introduced to European gardens in the early 20th century and quickly became valued for its architectural foliage and shade tolerance. The genus name Viburnum is the classical Latin name for this group of plants. The species name ‘davidii’ honours the French missionary and naturalist Père Armand David (1826-1900) who discovered many Chinese plants. This species represents one of the finest evergreen viburnums for foliage effect—the bold glossy leaves with prominent parallel veining create distinctive architectural texture, and the compact spreading habit is ideal for ground cover and smaller gardens. Hardy to RHS H5, this robust shrub thrives in most of UK and Ireland, tolerating cold winters (to -15°C) with occasional leaf damage in severe cold but recovering vigorously. Slow to moderate growth rate, forming substantial specimens within 5-8 years. Particularly valuable for bold dark green glossy foliage with prominent parallel veining creating architectural texture, stunning metallic blue berries (on female plants) providing spectacular autumn/winter interest, compact low spreading habit creating excellent ground cover, year-round evergreen presence, and outstanding shade tolerance thriving in partial to full shade. The combination of architectural foliage, striking blue berries, and shade tolerance makes this outstanding for woodland gardens, shade borders, and contemporary landscapes.

Create stunning compositions by planting in shade gardens and woodland gardens where the shade tolerance ensures success and the bold foliage creates architectural presence, using as ground cover in mixed borders where the spreading habit suppresses weeds and the evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, or positioning in contemporary gardens and minimalist landscapes where the architectural form and bold foliage provide sophisticated interest. Exceptional in foundation plantings around buildings where the low spreading habit softens hard edges and the shade tolerance suits north-facing positions, under trees where the shade tolerance thrives in challenging conditions, or in containers creating architectural displays for shaded patios and courtyards. IMPORTANT: For berry production, plant at least one male with several females (ratio 1 male to 3-5 females)—males and females look similar in foliage but only females produce berries. Works beautifully combined with contrasting foliage textures—ferns (Dryopteris, Polystichum, Athyrium) for soft feathery contrast, hostas for bold rounded leaves, or Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) for graceful arching texture. Also magnificent combined with other shade-loving plants (hellebores, epimediums, pulmonarias, brunneras) for layered woodland plantings, spring bulbs (snowdrops, crocuses, wood anemones) that bloom before viburnum leafs out, or evergreen companions (sarcococca, skimmia, mahonia) for varied evergreen interest. Perfect for adding architectural evergreen presence, striking blue berries, and reliable year-round interest to shade gardens, woodland gardens, mixed borders, ground cover plantings, and contemporary landscapes. Excellent for challenging shaded sites!

Planting: Space plants 1-1.5m apart for individual specimens allowing full spread, or 1m apart for ground cover effect with eventual merging. For berry production, plant at least one male with 3-5 females—nurseries typically label plants as male or female, or you can purchase mixed groups. Plant container-grown specimens year-round, though autumn (September-November) or spring (March-April) is ideal for best establishment. Choose position in partial shade to full shade—this is one of the best evergreen shrubs for shade! Tolerates full sun in cooler areas with consistent moisture, but partial to full shade is preferred and produces best foliage. Thrives under trees, on north-facing borders, and in woodland gardens. Dig generous planting hole twice width of root ball and same depth. Requires moist, well-drained soil for best growth. Incorporate organic matter (well-rotted compost, leaf mould) into planting hole and surrounding soil to improve moisture retention and fertility. Plant at same depth as in container, ensuring root ball is level with surrounding soil. Backfill carefully, firming gently. Water thoroughly after planting. Apply 5-8cm mulch around base, keeping mulch clear of stems (5cm gap). Water regularly during first growing season. Position where the bold architectural foliage and striking blue berries (on females) can be appreciated year-round, particularly in shaded areas where few other plants thrive.

Soil Preparation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil for best growth and berry production. Tolerates wide pH range from acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 5.5-7.5). Thrives in wide range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils provided drainage is adequate. Requires consistent moisture, particularly during establishment and berry development—avoid dry soils which stress plants. Also requires good drainage—avoid waterlogged conditions which can cause root issues. Thrives in moderately fertile soils enriched with organic matter. Improve ordinary soils by incorporating organic matter (well-rotted compost, leaf mould, well-rotted manure) to improve both moisture retention and fertility. Mulch annually in spring with 5-8cm layer of organic matter around base to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, improve soil fertility, and mimic woodland conditions. Keep mulch clear of stems. Best growth and berry production occur in partial shade with moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil—these conditions produce the most luxuriant foliage and most abundant berries.

Container Growing: Excellent for container growing—the compact size and architectural foliage make this ideal for pots! Use large container (minimum 40-50cm diameter), soil-based compost (John Innes No. 2 or No. 3) enriched with extra compost, and ensure excellent drainage. Position in partial shade to full shade in sheltered location. Water regularly—never allow compost to dry out completely, particularly during growing season and berry development. Feed in spring with slow-release balanced fertiliser. No regular pruning required. Top-dress annually with fresh compost. Repot every 3-5 years in spring using fresh compost and same size or slightly larger container. For berry production in containers, plant one male with 2-3 females in separate containers positioned close together. Perfect for creating architectural displays on shaded patios and courtyards!

Seasonal Care: Very low maintenance—one of the easiest evergreen shrubs! No regular pruning required—naturally maintains attractive compact spreading form. If shaping is absolutely necessary to control spread or remove damaged growth, prune lightly in spring (April-May) after flowering using sharp secateurs—avoid heavy pruning which can ruin natural form. Apply general-purpose balanced fertiliser or blood, fish and bone in spring to promote healthy growth and berry production. Mulch annually in spring with organic matter. Water during prolonged dry spells, particularly during first 3-5 years of establishment and during berry development—consistent moisture produces best results. Generally pest and disease free with excellent vigour. Watch for viburnum beetle (adults and larvae feed on foliage creating holes)—inspect regularly in spring/summer and remove by hand or treat if necessary. Watch for aphids on new growth (treat if necessary). In severe winters, foliage may suffer cold damage (browning or leaf drop)—plants typically recover vigorously in spring. The bold architectural foliage and stunning blue berries are reliably beautiful!

Propagation: Can be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer (July-August)—take 10-15cm cuttings from current season’s growth, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and insert into free-draining compost mixed with perlite. Maintain cool humid conditions. Rooting takes 12-20 weeks and success rate is moderate. Home gardeners can propagate with patience, though nursery-grown specimens provide more immediate impact and guaranteed sex (male or female) for berry production!

This spectacular beauty is absolutely breathtaking—one of the finest architectural evergreen shrubs for shade! That bold dark green glossy foliage with prominent parallel veining is absolutely striking—distinctive ribbed texture creating year-round architectural presence! Stunning metallic blue to turquoise-blue berries (on female plants)—jewel-like displays in autumn/winter! Compact low spreading habit 0.6-1m tall and 1-1.5m wide—excellent ground cover effect! Year-round evergreen presence providing constant structure. Delicate white to pinkish-white flowers in May-June. Hardy (RHS H5)—thrives in most of UK and Ireland, tolerating temperatures to -15°C! Slow to moderate growth (10-20cm annually). IMPORTANT: Dioecious (separate male and female plants)—for berry production, plant at least one male with 3-5 females! Outstanding shade tolerance—thrives in partial to full shade! Perfect for challenging shaded sites under trees, north-facing borders, woodland gardens! Tolerates full sun in cooler areas with consistent moisture. Prefers moist, well-drained soil—water during dry spells. No regular pruning required—naturally maintains attractive form! Watch for viburnum beetle in spring/summer. Perfect for shade gardens, woodland gardens, mixed borders, ground cover, foundation plantings, contemporary gardens, containers, and anywhere you want architectural evergreen presence with striking blue berries and excellent shade tolerance. Pure architectural magnificence and shade garden elegance!