What soil does Farrer's viburnum grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous, acidic.

Is Farrer's viburnum hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Farrer's viburnum be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Farrer's viburnum flower?

Flowering: November–March, white, pink.

How much water does Farrer's viburnum need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Farrer's viburnum cost?

It sells for roughly €13 to €60 in local shops, depending on size.

Farrer's viburnum

Viburnum farreri

Farrer's viburnum (Viburnum farreri) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €13.

Illustration of Farrer's viburnum — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An upright, open-branched shrub that flowers on bare wood before the leaves: clusters of white, almond and vanilla scented flowers opening from pink buds can appear from November in mild weather and come in waves until March, in cold winters mostly from late February. Plant it near a door, path or window, in sun or part shade, in fertile soil that does not dry out in summer; it does not mind lime. The foliage is bronze in spring and turns red and purple in autumn. Hard frost browns the open flowers, but new ones open in the next mild spell; 'Nanum' is a dwarf form of about 1 metre. It needs little pruning, and any pruning is best done after flowering.

Watch out for

Open flowers are killed below about -6 °C, and heavy autumn flowering leaves fewer flowers for spring. It is moderately susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle, which usually does not kill it, but the dwarf 'Nanum' is highly susceptible. Aphids, grey mould and leaf spot occur occasionally. It suffers in summer drought, so water it then. It can throw suckers and slowly widen into a broader clump.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2.2 m × 1.7 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D November–March, white, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.2 m × 1.7 m
Ultimate size	2–3.5 m × 1.5–3 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	November–March, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €13

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
50-60 cm	approx. €13
130-150 cm	approx. €47
size not stated	approx. €24 – €60

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Plants for screening Shrubs for pollinators Low-maintenance shrubs Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour

Looks good next to it

Blue holly

Ilex × meserveae

Lenten rose

Helleborus orientalis

Barren strawberry

Waldsteinia ternata