Suspensum Viburnum

Suspensum Viburnum, also called Sandankwa Viburnum, is a dense evergreen shrub used for hedges, screens, foundations, and dependable background foliage in mild Southern climates. Small waxy white to pale pink flower clusters appear in spring and may be followed by red fruit that matures black. Left untrimmed, the shrub can reach six to twelve feet, though it responds well to selective shaping. Plant it in full sun to part shade with fertile, moist, well-drained soil and shelter from unusually severe winter cold.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Viburnum suspensum
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• USDA zones: 8–10
• Mature height: 6–12 ft if untrimmed
• Mature width: 6–10 ft
• Foliage: Evergreen; dense leathery dark green foliage
• Flower or feature: Small waxy white to pale pink clusters followed by red-to-black fruit
• Bloom season: Spring with occasional later flowers
• Water: Average to regular; prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Growth habit: Dense, multi-stemmed, rounded and spreading
• Landscape uses: Hedge, privacy screen, foundation planting, evergreen background, large shrub border
• Deer tolerance: Often described as deer resistant, but browsing can occur

South Carolina garden note: Zone 8b is near the cool edge of its range. Choose a sheltered site and expect possible leaf or stem injury during unusually hard freezes.

Plant size and performance vary with climate, soil, pruning and care. Availability changes with nursery inventory.