Viburnum Handsome Devil® (Viburnum)

Handsome Devil® viburnum is a semi-evergreen or evergreen shrub featuring shiny, robust leaves that transform from a vibrant mix of russet, red, and orange to a mature dark green. Fragrant white flowers emerge in late spring summer and are followed, when cross-pollinated, by red fruits, ripening black.

Handsome Devil®: An In-depth Look

Native: This variety is a cultivar, thus not strictly native to any particular region.

Plant Type and Habit: It is a semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub with a mounded, upright habit that adds structure and depth to garden designs.

Size: Typically grows to a height of about 5-8 feet (150-240 cm) with a spread of 6-7 feet (180-210 cm).

Flowers: Panicles of small, fragrant, white flowers are are produced in late spring to mid-summer.

Fruits: The flowers give way to vivid red-orange berries maturing to a deep black. To optimize fruit production, it’s advisable to plant a V. odoratissimum nearby to act as a pollen donor for this cultivar.

Foliage: The shiny, green, elliptic leaves start off bronze in their youth and transition to a reddish-purple hue come fall.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 7-9.

Uses: Ideal for incorporation into mixed borders or as a foundational planting. It is also suitable as a standalone specimen or for creating screens and hedges.

Deer and Rabbits: Generally resistant to deer.

Toxicity: Fruit are ornamental – not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not known for being invasive, making it a good choice for most gardens.

How to Grow and Care for Viburnum

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flower production.

Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

Water: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support growth and flowering.

Pruning: Best done immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove spent blooms. Avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce blooms for the next season.

Propagation: Propagate via semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: This plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it may encounter issues like bacterial leaf spot, various forms of mildew, and crown gall. In terms of insect challenges, aphids and scale are the most common culprits.

By paying attention to these basic care guidelines, your viburnum should thrive and provide years of aromatic blooms.