Viburnum fordiae

Viburnum fordiae is a deciduous shrub from southern China. Kew places it in the family Viburnaceae. Its records allow for both shrub and tree forms. The species grows in a temperate region. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The RHS accepts its name and lists Viburnum hirtulum as a synonym. The supplied sources give no mature height or spread. They also lack species-level details for its bark, stems, and leaves. Its deciduous habit means it sheds its leaves each year.

Plants For A Future describes flowers with both male and female organs. Insects pollinate them, but the plant is not self-fertile. This matters when growing it for fruit rather than display. The sources give no bloom month, flower colour, or fruit colour. General descriptions of other viburnums do not establish those traits here. Plants For A Future lists the fruit as edible. It can be eaten raw or cooked. That source gives its food value one out of five. It reports no known hazards, but provides no detailed safety assessment.

Plants For A Future lists sun and light shade as suitable. It also lists moist soil as the plant's preference. Its species entry allows sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The stated pH range spans mildly acid to mildly alkaline ground. Woodland edges and areas with dappled shade are suggested garden settings. The source says little is known about this species in cultivation. It does not confirm hardiness in Britain. It suggests outdoor growth may work in milder British areas. This remains an estimate based on the plant's native range. No firm hardiness zone is supplied.

The propagation notes describe raising plants from seed or softwood cuttings. Fresh ripe seed can be sown in a cold frame. Germination may take more than eighteen months. Stored seed needs a warm period followed by a cold period. Seedlings can grow on under cover before planting out. The notes place softwood cutting work in early summer. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal or other uses. It also records no weed potential. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases. It gives no growth rate or measured garden size.