The Viburnum odoratissimum, commonly known as Sweet Viburnum, is a go-to evergreen shrub for Australian gardeners who need a reliable and quick-growing solution for screening or hedging. It’s a real workhorse, prized for its large, leathery, and incredibly glossy green leaves that give it a lush, tropical appearance. In spring, it produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers, which are followed by small red berries. Its ability to grow into a dense screen in a short amount of time makes it a very popular choice.
Caring for Your Sweet Viburnum
- Growing Conditions: This tough plant is quite adaptable. It thrives in full sun to part shade. While it’s happy in most soil types, it performs best in well-draining, fertile soil. It’s tolerant of a range of conditions and can handle some dry periods once established.
- Watering: Water regularly while the plant is young to help it establish a strong root system. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant, but a deep watering during long, dry spells will keep it looking its best.
- Feeding: To encourage vigorous growth, especially for a hedge, feed it with a slow-release fertiliser in spring and autumn.
- Pruning: Pruning is essential to create a dense hedge. Prune it a couple of times a year during the growing season to encourage new growth from the base. It responds very well to a good trim and can be easily kept to a desired size and shape.
Usage in the Garden
The Sweet Viburnum is most famously used as a fast-growing hedge or privacy screen. Its dense foliage provides excellent screening, whether you want to hide a fence, block an ugly view, or create a quiet, secluded area in your garden. It also works brilliantly as a large background shrub in a garden bed or can be grown as a single specimen to provide a lush, green focal point. Due to its size, it’s not the best choice for a small pot, but it’s a brilliant option for a large-scale planting.
