Viburnum Sweet Talker® (Fragrant Viburnum)

Greet spring’s arrival with the aromatic allure of Sweet Talker viburnum. Blooming in spring, it’s among the season’s earliest shrubs to flower. Anticipate a profusion of pink, trumpet-like blooms exuding a spicy, honeyed fragrance. Throughout the rest of the year, its striking, leathery leaves serve as an ideal backdrop for home landscapes and hedges, transforming into captivating shades of purple-burgundy as the weather cools.

Viburnum Sweet Talker®: An In-depth Look

Native: This variety is a cultivar, thus not strictly native to any particular region. It results from a cross between Viburnum x bodnantense and V. suspensum.

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 8-10 feet (240-300 cm) with a spread of 3-5 feet (90-150 cm).

Flowers: Loose clusters of fragrant, pink, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom prolifically in mid to late spring, adding both scent and beauty to your garden.  The flowers emit a spicy honey scent.

Foliage: The leathery foliage, either evergreen or semi-evergreen, unfurls in the spring with a reddish hue and transitions to a deep burgundy come autumn.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 7-8, this shrub is also heat tolerant.

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.

Wildlife: Pollinators like bees and butterflies find the flowers appealing.

Deer and Rabbits: Generally resistant to deer and rabbits, reducing the need for additional protective measures.

Toxicity: This plant is not toxic.

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

How to Grow and Care for Fragrant Viburnum

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

Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.

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 or hardwood cuttings in winter.

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 fragrant viburnum should thrive and provide years of aromatic blooms.