How to Grow Burkii Viburnum
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Burkii Viburnum
Viburnum burkii
shrubBurkii Viburnum is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub native to China, valued for its fragrant white flower clusters and ornamental red berries that mature to black. It grows as a dense, upright shrub reaching 8-12 feet tall and is popular in landscape designs for its four-season interest and attractive foliage that turns burgundy in fall.
When should you plant Burkii Viburnum in your zone?
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Example Burkii Viburnum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burkii 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 Burkii Viburnum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Burkii Viburnum timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung shrub developing root system with initial leaf growth and branching
Water regularly and deeply; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base; avoid heavy pruning; stake if necessary in windy locations
Vegetative Growth (Years 1-3)
2-3 yearsRapid height and width development with increasingly dense branching and foliage
Continue regular watering; light pruning to shape; fertilize in spring with balanced shrub fertilizer; maintain consistent mulch layer
Flowering (Spring, typically April-May)
2-3 weeksDense clusters of small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear along stems; very ornamental and attractive to pollinators
Do not prune during or just before flowering; enjoy the fragrance; flowers typically last 2-3 weeks
Fruiting (Summer to Fall)
4-5 monthsSmall oval drupes develop, turning bright red in summer, then gradually maturing to black; foliage displays burgundy fall color
Monitor for pest activity; avoid harvesting berries to allow wildlife to feed; leave berries on plant for ornamental effect and winter bird food
Dormancy (Winter)
3-4 monthsDeciduous to semi-evergreen; may retain some dark foliage and persistent black berries into winter in milder zones
Minimal care needed; pruning can be done in late winter before new growth; protect young plants in zone 5 with winter mulch
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested leaves in summer; prune out egg-infested twigs in winter; spray with insecticidal soap in spring when crawlers are active
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply horticultural oil in spring and fall; insecticidal soap if severe
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Prune out heavily infested branches; apply dormant oil spray in late winter; use horticultural oil in growing season
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Improve air circulation by pruning; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicidal spray; remove affected leaves
Uses
Landscape Focal Point
OrnamentalBurkii Viburnum serves as an excellent multi-season ornamental shrub with fragrant spring flowers, attractive red-to-black berries, and burgundy fall foliage, making it ideal for foundation plantings, hedgerows, and specimen placement. [source]
Wildlife Food and Habitat
WildlifeThe abundant berries attract numerous bird species including thrushes, cardinals, and cedar waxwings, providing important food throughout late summer and fall, while the dense branching offers shelter and nesting sites. [source]
Cut Flowers and Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe highly fragrant white flower clusters can be cut in spring for fresh indoor arrangements, and the colorful berries and fall foliage can be used in dried or fresh floral designs. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalVarious Viburnum species have been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine; Viburnum bark and berries contain compounds potentially beneficial for uterine and muscle relaxation, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Fragrant Botanical Crafts
CraftThe highly scented flowers can be dried for potpourri, sachets, or botanical crafts, preserving the fragrance for household use and gifting. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for consumption. For ornamental use: enjoy flowers for fragrance and visual appeal in spring (cut for indoor arrangements if desired); allow berries to persist on plant for wildlife food and fall/winter color interest. Collect berries in fall if propagating new plants from seed (requires cold stratification).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burkii Viburnum is named after and dedicated to the renowned plant collector and botanist William Burgess (Burkii likely being a Latinized form of his name), reflecting its significance in horticulture.
- 🌱 The berries undergo a dramatic color transformation from bright red to shiny black, with the color change signaling ripeness to birds—this is an example of fruit ripening signals in nature.
- 🌱 Viburnum flowers are among the most fragrant of ornamental shrubs, with a sweet, subtle scent that intensifies in warm weather, making spring gardens particularly aromatic where multiple plants are grouped together.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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