This large shrub or small tree grows 15 to 20 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves with toothed edges. In May, creamy-white flowers are followed later with clusters of red berries. The shiny dark green leaves turn a burgundy in fall.
Size and form:
A large shrub or small tree that grows 15 to 20 feet high with a 15 feet spread. It has an open habit with stiff horizontal branches.
Native geographic location and habitat:
Siebold viburnum is native to Japan.
Bark color and texture:
The gray bark is blocky and broken in small plates resembling alligator skin. Branches are grayish, slightly pubescent, and rigid.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:
Opposite, elliptical leaves are 3 to 5 inches long with a toothed margins and deeply ridged veins. Leaves are dark green in summer and may pick up some red-purple color in the fall. They smell like green pepper when crushed. Some cultivars have been selected for improved fall color.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size:
Small, creamy white flowers are in loose, open clusters on long stalks.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:
The fruit is a cluster of small berry-like drupes, changing color from green to red to nearly black as it matures. Once the fruit drops, the inflorescence remains rosy-red and showy.
Plant care:
Siebold viburnum is best in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Water in dry periods. Prune after flowering in spring. This plant is difficult to locate in nurseries.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
No serious diseases or pests. Scorch may be a problem in sites that are too dry.
Ironclad™ Siebold viburnum (Viburnum sieboldii ‘KLMfour’):
A heavy flowering form with reliable burgundy fall color, this plant grows 15 feet high and 12 feet wide.
Wavecrest Siebold viburnum (Viburnum sieboldii ‘Wavecrest’):
This cultivar is 7 to 8 feet high and 4 feet wide. Thick dark green leaves turn a brick-red fall color. The fruit is orange-red with scarlet peduncles.
