Viburnum phlebotrichum

Viburnum phlebotrichum is a deciduous shrub in the Viburnaceae family. It comes from central and southern Japan, where it grows in mountains. Its native range has a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The shrub reaches about 8.2 feet [2.5 metres] in height. It loses its leaves for winter, rather than keeping them year-round.

The flowers appear in May and contain both male and female organs. Insects pollinate them, but one plant cannot set fertile seed alone. It needs a nearby, genetically distinct plant of the same species. This matters when growing the shrub for fruit rather than flowers alone. The fruit is oval and about 0.03 feet [0.009 metres] long. Each fruit holds one large seed. Plants For A Future lists the fruit as edible raw or cooked. It gives the plant a low food-use score of one out of five.

This shrub suits a woodland garden, including sunny edges and dappled shade. It grows in full sun as well as partial shade. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils, but prefers deep, rich loam. Keep the soil moist; dry sites and poor ground do not suit it. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. Shelter from early morning sun in spring is also advised. The source lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9 and UK zone 6.

Seed offers one way to raise new plants, though germination can be slow. Sow ripe seed promptly in a cold frame. Some seed may take more than 18 months to sprout. Fully developed seed gathered before ripening may sprout the next spring when sown promptly. Stored seed needs two warm months followed by three cold months. Even after this treatment, germination may still take 18 months. Grow young seedlings in pots under cover before planting them out. Plant them in late spring or early summer the following year. Softwood cuttings taken in early summer provide another route.

Plants For A Future reports no known hazards for this species. That does not establish safety for every person or pet. It lists no known medicinal uses or other uses beyond food. Its weed-potential entry records no weed concern.