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Common Name: Prague viburnum
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Adoxaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 10 to 12 feet
Spread: 10 to 12 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Color: Pink, White
Bloom Description: Pink buds / ivory flowers
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Leaves: Evergreen
Fruit: Showy Fruit
Other: Winter Interest
Wildlife: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies
Uses: Hedge
Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Foliage may die back (sometimes to the ground) in sub-zero winter temperatures, so in the St. Louis area, it is best to plant this shrub in a protected location shielded from winter winds. If shrub loses good form or needs revitalization, prune to the ground. Otherwise, prune immediately after flowering since flower buds form in summer for the following year.
Noteworthy Characteristics
This hybrid viburnum (cross between V. rhytidophyllum and V. utile) is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows 8-12' tall with a similar spread. Flat cymes (to 6" across) of slightly fragrant, creamy white flowers in spring gives way to berries in early fall which first appear red and then change to glossy black. Berries will often persist to the end of December. Elliptic, dark green leaves (to 4" long). Foliage is evergreen in the south, and usually evergreen in the north unless injured by cold winter temperatures.
Plant of Merit
Prague viburnum (V. rhytidophyllum x V. utile) is a bushy, rounded, evergreen shrub that is noted for its elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves which survive most St. Louis winters with little leaf discoloration or damage. It typically matures to 6-12 feet tall. Creamy white flowers in flattened cymes appear in spring followed by red-ripening-to-black berries in fall. Site this shrub in areas shielded from cold winter winds to best protect the evergreen foliage. Prune as needed after flowering.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Garden Uses
Plant in groups or mix with other broadleaf shrubs. May be grown as a hedge. Shrub has good specimen value due to creamy white flowers, fall/early winter berries and evergreen foliage.