Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo'

 Chindo Viburnum is an upright, dense evergreen shrub in the viburnum family (Viburnaceae).  It was collected by J.C. Raulston of the North Carolina State University Arboretum from the Chindo island of South Korea in 1985.  The genus name means wayfaring tree, and the specific epithet means very fragrant.  The cultivar name refers to the location in Japan where it originated.

For best growth, plant in moist, slightly acid, well-drained, fertile soil with full sun.  Provide some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Too much shade results in fewer flowers and less dense branches.  It grows rapidly to 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.  Next season’s fruit grows on old growth.  Prune at most one-third of the shrub after flowering.

This shrub was added as a JC Raulston Arboretum Choice Plant in 2003.  The cluster of tiny white flowers are fragrant and bloom in late spring.  In the fall, heavy clusters of red berries provide food for wildlife.  In the colder climates, the glossy green leaves are semi-evergreen.  Once established, it is drought tolerant.  It is mildly resistant to deer damage.

Create an evergreen hedge or screen with Chindo Viburnum.  Plant it as a large accent shrub, in borders, or open woodlands in a sunny location.  The lower branches can be trimmed to create a small single-trunked tree.
 

Quick ID

• Evergreen shrub with large, waxy leaves
• Flowers white in rounded corymbs
• Leaves remotely toothed, leathery

Insects, Diseases, and Other Potential Problems:  There are no serious insect or disease problems.  Aphids, spider mites, and thrips may occasionally feed on the foliage. Bacterial leaf spots, mildews (powdery mildew and downy mildew), and crown gall can occur.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a fact sheet on common pests and diseases.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.