Viburnum Farreri

Viburnum Farreri

Why Buy Me?

• Fragrant flowers
• Use as a hedge or screen
• Easy to grow

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Tolerates light shade, though flowering may be slightly diminished in less sunny locations.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Thrives in loamy, fertile ground but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, though tolerates mildly alkaline conditions.

Exposure:
Suitable for both sheltered and moderately exposed sites. Hardy to USDA zone 5–7. Buds are somewhat susceptible to late spring frosts—plant in a protected area in colder regions if early flowers are a concern.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Once established, tolerates short dry periods, but benefits from consistent moisture during hot or dry spells, especially in summer.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in early spring or autumn when the soil is warm and moist, allowing roots to establish before extreme seasonal temperatures.

Spacing:
Allow 150–200 cm (5–6.5 feet) between plants. Viburnum farreri is a medium to large deciduous shrub, reaching 2.5–3 m (8–10 ft) in height and spread at maturity.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. In subsequent years, water during prolonged dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring before new growth appears.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring with compost or organic bark mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and remove spent blooms. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can impact flowering the following year.

Propagation:
Can be propagated by softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in late autumn, or by layering in spring. Suckers may also be removed and replanted in early spring or fall.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Produces highly fragrant, tubular pale pink to deep pink flowers, often beginning in late winter (as early as February in mild areas) and peaking in early spring. Flowers may open on bare branches before leaves emerge, offering early-season color and scent.

Summer:
Glossy, mid-green foliage forms a dense canopy. Flowering is typically finished, but the shrub provides a clean, leafy backdrop in borders and hedges.

Autumn:
Leaves turn striking shades of red, orange, or burgundy in autumn, adding a vibrant display before falling. Some cultivars exhibit more intense coloration than others.

Winter:
Deciduous. Branches maintain a strong structural form that adds winter interest, especially when buds begin to swell before blooming. One of the few shrubs to offer winter flowering potential in milder climates.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Early flowers provide an essential nectar source for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy, especially bees. Dense branches offer nesting or sheltering opportunities for small birds and beneficial insects.

Garden Use:
Excellent as a specimen shrub, in mixed borders, or as part of a fragrant hedge or screen. A good choice near paths, patios, or entrances where its strong scent can be appreciated. Ideal for traditional gardens, cottage-style borders, and winter-interest plantings.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with other early bloomers like Hellebores, Snowdrops (Galanthus), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis), Daphne, and Forsythia. Also contrasts nicely with evergreens and early bulbs for winter-to-spring transitions.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Viburnum Farreri. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.