How big does David viburnum grow?

About 80 cm × 1.3 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.5–1.5 m × 0.9–1.5 m.

What soil does David viburnum grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Is David viburnum hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Central Bohemian Region, Hradec Králové Region, Karlovy Vary Region, Liberec Region, Moravian-Silesian Region, Olomouc Region, Pardubice Region, Plzeň Region, South Bohemian Region, Ústí nad Labem Region, Vysočina Region, Zlín Region) it may not survive winter without protection.

Is David viburnum toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should David viburnum be planted?

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

When does David viburnum flower?

Flowering: April–June, white.

How much water does David viburnum need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

David viburnum

Viburnum davidii

David viburnum (Viburnum davidii) is a shrub that reaches 80 cm × 1.3 m after ten years. Light: part shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about CZK 300.

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

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

A low evergreen shrub that forms a wide mound, grown mainly for its leathery dark green leaves with three deep veins. White flowers open in spring, but the metallic turquoise-blue berries appear only where male and female plants grow side by side, so do not expect fruit from a single bush. Plant it in part shade, sheltered from winter sun and wind, in moist humus-rich soil, because its hardiness in hard frost is borderline.

Watch out for

In Central Europe its hardiness is borderline: the reliable limit is about -18 °C; under snow or in sheltered part shade it can take short spells of -23 to -25 °C, but in snowless, windy, sunny winters the foliage scorches, may partly drop and the shrub can die back. Young plants are worth covering in winter. In summer hot sun burns the leaves and it does not tolerate drought. Aphids, viburnum beetle, leaf spot and Phytophthora root rot can occur. Berries form only when male and female plants grow nearby, and shops rarely label which one you get.

Key facts

Light: Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 1.3 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, white

All details

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 1.3 m
Ultimate size	0.5–1.5 m × 0.9–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	80 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about CZK 300

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
size not stated	approx. CZK 300

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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