SWEET VIBURNUM

Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) is a popular choice for Florida landscapes because of its fast growth, fragrant flowers, and versatility. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

✅ General Characteristics

Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree.
Size:

Unpruned: 20–30 ft tall, up to 25 ft spread.
As a hedge: Commonly maintained at 4–8 ft.

Leaves: Large, leathery, glossy green (4–8 inches long).
Flowers: Clusters of small, white, highly fragrant blooms in spring.
Fruit: Red berries that turn black when ripe, attracting wildlife.
Growth Rate: Fast-growing, ideal for quick screens or hedges.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8B–10A, perfect for Florida.

✅ Why It Thrives in Florida

Climate Adaptability: Handles heat and humidity well.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, it needs minimal irrigation.
Soil Flexibility: Grows in clay, sand, loam, acidic or alkaline soils—as long as they are well-drained.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Approved: Not invasive and safe for natural areas.

✅ Care & Maintenance

Light: Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of sunlight daily for best growth).
Watering:

Newly planted: Every 1–2 days until top inch of soil dries.
Established: Weekly or less; drought-tolerant.

Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter; avoid standing water.
Pruning:

For hedges: Shape tops narrower than bases for sunlight penetration.
For trees: Remove lower branches for clearance and aesthetics.

Spacing: 5–10 ft apart for hedges to allow air circulation and prevent disease.
Salt Tolerance: Low—avoid coastal sites.

✅ Landscape Uses

Formal Hedges: Dense foliage creates privacy screens.
Informal Screens: Great for natural-looking barriers.
Small Trees: Train into single or multi-stemmed specimens for shade or accent.
Wildlife Support: Flowers attract pollinators; berries feed birds.

✅ Popular Cultivars

‘Emerald Lustre’ – Large leaves, vigorous growth.
‘Nanum’ – Dwarf form for smaller spaces.
Awabuki Viburnum – Glossy leaves, faster growth for large hedges.