Small-Leaf Viburnum Care

Viburnum obovatum, the small-leaf viburnum, is a plant in the genus Viburnum within the muskroot family, Adoxaceae.

Walter’s viburnum, in the opinion of some nursery growers, is the very best viburnum for use in central and south Florida. Unfortunately, it is not widely available. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow to a height of about 27 feet. However, there are forms of this plant that are upright, spreading, weeping, or dwarf. It is difficult to determine which form you are buying by simply looking at the plant. The only way to determine the ultimate height and shape of the plant is to know the original source of the plant material. A reputable nursery will know the characteristics of their plants. The evergreen leaves of Walter’s viburnum vary from very small to medium sized, glossy, leathery, and dark green. They are also fragrant when crushed. The winter or spring flowers occur in small, convex cymes held at the branch tips before new growth emerges. Flowers can cover the plant with white blooms for about 2 or three weeks. The fruits of this plant are small drupes that turn from red to black during maturation.