Viburnum mullaha

Viburnum mullaha, or starry viburnum, belongs to the Viburnaceae family. It grows as a shrub or small tree in temperate Asia. Kew places its native range from northeastern Pakistan to northwestern Yunnan and northern Myanmar. PFAF also lists Bhutan, Nepal, India and parts of Indochina. It grows in woods and scrub, often in damp places. These include the undergrowth beneath oak and fir trees. Its habitat reaches about 9,840 feet [3,000 metres] above sea level.

In gardens, this deciduous shrub forms a bushy shape. It reaches about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall and wide. The RHS gives five to ten years to reach full size. Its green leaves have an oval shape and a thin, papery feel. Teeth line the leaf edges towards their tips. Fine hairs cover the undersides of the leaves. Small white flowers form clusters at the stem tips in late spring. Small yellow berries follow, then turn red as they ripen.

Grow it in sun or partial shade, with soil that drains well. The soil should stay moist and have moderate fertility. It accepts sand, loam, clay and chalk. It also grows in acid, neutral or alkaline soil. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H4. This rating covers winter lows of 14–23°F [-10 to -5°C]. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11. Woodland edges and places with dappled shade suit its stated needs.

The RHS suggests it for informal gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders. Its flowers and ripening fruit provide seasonal interest. It needs little pruning, which suits low-maintenance planting. Prune just after flowering when needed, but this removes future berries. Raise plants from seed in an autumn cold frame. Summer semi-ripe cuttings and grafting offer other ways to propagate it. Aphids and viburnum beetle may attack the plant. Possible diseases include Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey mould and leaf spot.

Sources disagree about the safety of its fruit. PFAF describes sour fruit eaten raw or cooked, with no known hazards. The RHS warns that people and pets must not eat it. Treat the fruit as ornamental given this conflicting advice. PFAF records traditional use of crushed fruit as a stimulant. It also records fruit juice used for indigestion, without establishing medical benefit. The fruit supplies dye, and the wood is moderately hard. Straight branches have served as walking sticks.