Viburnum obovatum 'Mrs. Schiller's Delight'

'Mrs. Schiller's Delight' is a cultivar in the Viburnaceae (viburnum) family.  It was introduced by Steve Reifler, a Florida nurseryman.  He saw a resemblance to a dwarf youpon holly cultivar called 'Schilling', and associated that name to a friend of his, Mrs. Schiller.  Thus, 'Mrs. Schiller's Delight' was named.

The common name is derived from Thomas Walter, a South Carolina farmer who hailed from England.  He first described the species in the late 1700's. 

Depending on the zone where grown, this shrub can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen.  In zones 6 and 7, it will grow as a deciduous shrub, while progressing to evergreen as we head southward.  

Although quite drought tolerant, in the wild, this cultivar can be found flourishing along sometimes flooded creeks, swamp edges and in forests that are near a river.  

Typically growing to 3' tall, heights of up to 6' are not uncommon.  Clones of this plant are formed from its rhizomes, stems formed underground.   Over time, this plant can spread via its rhizomes to form colonies.  

The optimum form of propagation is from stem cuttings.  If grown from its seeds, it may not possess the same low growing properties as the plant where the seeds were collected.

This low maintenance plant only requires light pruning to maintain its compact habit.

A great plant for a pollinator garden, it is a food source for the larvae of the Azure (Celastrina ladon) butterfly.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease issues.  It can send up unwanted suckers that may need to be removed.  

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

More information on Viburnum obovatum.