Viburnum suspensum aka Viburnum

Viburnum suspensum is an evergreen shrub called sandankwa viburnum. It comes from Japan's subtropical Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa. Gardeners grow it in Florida and other mild-winter regions. It forms a dense shrub with several woody stems. Branches grow upright, spread outward, or arch with age. Garden plants reach 6–12 feet (1.8–3.66 metres) tall. Their spread ranges from 6–10 feet (1.8–3.05 metres). Fast growth makes it useful where a thick screen is needed.

The dark brown stems have a rough surface. Leaves grow in opposite pairs along each stem. They are simple, dark green, glossy, and leathery. Their oval blades end in a pointed tip. The leaf base may be rounded or wedge-shaped. Many leaves measure about 3.5 inches long and 2 inches wide. Teeth may line the upper part of the leaf edge. Some leaves have few teeth or none. The large leaves give the shrub a coarse texture. Its evergreen foliage provides cover through the year.

Small, fragrant flowers form panicles in late winter and spring. Missouri Botanical Garden lists the main bloom as February to March. Some flowers may appear later in the growing season. Each flower has a tube-shaped, white bloom touched with pink. The clusters measure about 2–4 inches across. Small, round drupes follow the flowers in summer and fall. These fruits start red and turn black as they ripen. They do not remain on the shrub for long.

Grow this shrub in full sun or partial shade. It does best in deep, fertile loam that drains well. Keep the soil evenly moist rather than letting it dry out. It also grows in clay and other fertile soil types. Sources describe its irrigation needs as low to moderate. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 8–10; NC State extends this to zone 11. The shrub tolerates salt spray, and deer tend to avoid it. Spring and summer pruning helps shape its fast-growing shoots.

Use it for hedges, screens, mixed borders, or foundation plantings. It can also serve as a single accent shrub. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. NC State lists purple mite as a possible problem. Plants For A Future lists the fruit and leaves as edible. It describes the fruit as usable raw or cooked, but likely unpalatable. That source reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for pets.