Viburnum cinnamomifolium

Cinnamon-leaved viburnum is a beautiful evergreen shrub that was discovered in China by Ernest H.Wilson in early 20th century and brought to the USA in 1905. It is very similar to David’s viburnum but larger in every aspect. It bears large, evergreen, broadly elliptic, deeply veined leaves that emerge soft green in mid spring and mature to dark green in summer. Their stalks, new twigs, and flower buds are carmine red from late summer onwards. If buds are not damaged by frost they open into loose, terminal cymes in early summer, and are followed by blue-black fruit. Still, they are not as beautiful as the foliage itself.

This viburnum forms a rounded, dense shrub that grows moderately or even slowly in Central-European conditions (zone 6) and 10-year-old plants can be about a meter tall and a bit wider, while in China it can allegedly reach almost 5m. In the Mediterranean and milder parts of Europe (Benelux countries and UK) it can grow to some 3m. Thanks to its prominent foliage it can be used in exotic-styled gardens, or can be combined with mid-sized conifers where the contrast between small needles and large leaves will be most conspicuous.

Evergreen viburnums need fresh, evenly moist but well-drained, acid soil. If you are unsure about its quality we recommend feeding the plant with a slow-release fertilizer such as Basacote or Osmocote once a year. Grow it in full sun or part shade. If you live in an area of deep and long lasting frosts find it a place sheltered from winter sunlight and strong winds. Hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 13-02-2012