Viburnum obovatum aka Walter's Viburnum

Viburnum obovatum, or Walter's viburnum, belongs to the family Viburnaceae. This woody shrub comes from the southeastern United States. Its range includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. It grows in coastal plain thickets, hammocks, and along swamp edges. It is not native to North Carolina. Yet it grows in that state's southern Piedmont and coastal areas.

The shrub has a dense, upright form with many small twigs. Its outline can be rounded or oval. Garden heights range from 8–25 feet (2.44–7.62 metres). Its spread reaches 6–10 feet (1.83–3.05 metres). The small leaves give the plant a fine texture. Stems are reddish brown and lack scent. Simple leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each leaf measures about 0.08–0.17 feet (0.025–0.051 metres) long. They range from spoon-shaped to broader near the tip. Their edges may be smooth or have slight teeth.

The leaves are glossy dark green during summer. Some turn purple as fall arrives. Warm winters allow the shrub to keep its leaves. In colder winters, it may lose some or all foliage. Small white flowers open in early spring. Each flower has five petals and a star-like shape. The blooms form rounded cymes above the leaves. These clusters measure about 0.15–0.19 feet (0.044–0.057 metres) across. They give bees a food source early in the year. Oval drupes follow the flowers and ripen in fall. The fruits change from red to shiny black. Birds and other wildlife feed on them.

Grow this shrub in full sun or partial shade. Some shade in the afternoon suits it well. Choose moist soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam, and sand. Acid to neutral soil falls within its stated growing range. It grows in USDA zones 7–10, beyond its warmer native range. It also tolerates a small amount of salt.

Walter's viburnum suits foundation beds, pond edges, and woodland sites. Its flowers and fruit add interest across the seasons. Its value to bees and birds suits wildlife gardens. Deer resistance adds another useful trait for garden planting. The source lists its flammability as low and maintenance as medium. Purple mite appears among the problems linked to this species.