Viburnum nudum

Description

Viburnum nudum

Viburnum nudum, commonly known as smooth witherod, is a deciduous shrub with an upright, rounded habit, typically reaching 1.5-2.5m in height with a similar spread at maturity. Its glossy, dark green leaves turn attractive shades of burgundy and purple in autumn, offering excellent seasonal colour long after many other shrubs have faded.

In early summer, flattened clusters of creamy-white flowers appear, later developing into decorative berries that pass through shades of pink and blue before ripening to deep black, often present on the shrub at the same time for a striking two-tone effect.

This shrub prefers a position in full sun or partial shade and thrives in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, tolerating boggy or heavy conditions better than most viburnums. It is fully hardy in the UK. Little pruning is required beyond removing dead or damaged wood after flowering, and an annual mulch helps retain soil moisture.