How to Grow Sea Green Viburnum
Sea Green Viburnum
Viburnum odoratissimum 'Sea Green'
shrubSea Green Viburnum is a compact, evergreen ornamental shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and fragrant clusters of small white flowers followed by red berries that mature to black. This cultivar is a smaller selection of the sweet viburnum, making it ideal for hedges, borders, and specimen plantings. It combines year-round visual interest with low maintenance requirements and attractive wildlife value.
When should you plant Sea Green Viburnum in your zone?
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Example Sea Green Viburnum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sea Green Viburnum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Sea Green Viburnum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in USDA zones 8b-10, tolerates zone 8a with protection
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Get my Sea Green Viburnum timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 weeksYoung shrub with developing root system; foliage is lighter green and may show transplant stress with wilting or leaf drop.
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid fertilizing for the first 4-6 weeks. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic material, keeping it away from the stem.
Vegetative Growth
Several months to first yearShrub produces vigorous new shoots and dense foliage; leaves are glossy and deep green; no flowers yet or minimal flowering.
Prune lightly to encourage branching and compact shape. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. Maintain consistent watering schedule. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Flowering
4-6 weeks per flowering periodTerminal clusters of small, fragrant white or pale pink flowers appear; often occurs in spring (March-May depending on zone) and again in fall; flowers are highly scented.
Do not deadhead flowers if you want fruit; allow flowers to mature into berries. Light pruning after flowering maintains shape without reducing next season's blooms significantly.
Fruiting & Berry Development
8-12 weeks maturationSmall berries develop where flowers were; berries transition from bright red to dark red to black as they mature over weeks; foliage remains glossy and vibrant.
Leave berries on plant for wildlife attraction and ornamental value. Minimal intervention needed. Continue regular watering during dry spells.
Mature Shrub
Years 2 onwardEstablished plant with dense, compact growth habit; maintains attractive deep green foliage year-round; produces reliable flowers and berries annually.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size. Fertilize annually in early spring. Water during drought. Remove any dead or diseased wood. Minimal pest/disease issues on healthy mature plants.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune and destroy infested branches; apply horticultural oil in late fall to kill eggs; use insecticidal soap on nymphs in spring; encourage natural predators
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in dormant season; prune heavily infested branches; introduce parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity with water spray; use miticide if severe; remove heavily infested foliage; encourage predatory mites
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Improve air circulation through pruning; apply sulfur or neem oil in early stages; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infected leaves promptly; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if widespread; ensure good drainage
Uses
Specimen & Hedge Planting
OrnamentalSea Green Viburnum's compact size, glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and colorful berries make it excellent as a focal point shrub or in formal hedgerows. It maintains its shape well with minimal pruning. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeThe abundant red and black berries attract birds and other wildlife. Flowers provide nectar for pollinators, and the dense foliage offers shelter for small animals and nesting birds. [source]
Floral Arrangement Material
CulinaryFragrant flower clusters and berry-laden branches are prized for fresh and dried floral arrangements, adding long-lasting beauty and sweet fragrance to indoor displays. [source]
Privacy Screening & Landscaping
HouseholdDue to its dense, evergreen habit and moderate growth rate, Sea Green Viburnum is ideal for creating living screens, windbreaks, and privacy barriers in residential and commercial landscapes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Sea Green Viburnum is not harvested for food or conventional uses. Berries are not edible and can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Cut branches with flowers and berries for fresh or dried arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The flowers of Viburnum odoratissimum are extremely fragrant—particularly in the evening—and are sometimes used in perfumery and fragrance products in Asia.
- 🌱 The berries are highly attractive to birds, which consume them and disperse seeds, making viburnum an excellent choice for creating bird-friendly gardens.
- 🌱 Sea Green Viburnum can live for 30+ years with proper care, becoming increasingly attractive and full with age; some specimens in landscapes are over 50 years old.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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