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Viburnum obovatum 'Mrs. Schiller's Delight'

Description

'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.

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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hardy#showy flowers#small tree#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#shrub#windbreak#showy fruits#wind tolerant#multistemmed#pest resistant#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#humidity tolerant#compact habit#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#salt spray intolerant#salt intolerant#compact#showy#butterfly caterpillar host#butterfly garden#pollinator garden#showy fruit#long lived#shade tolerant#cold tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hardy#showy flowers#small tree#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#shrub#windbreak#showy fruits#wind tolerant#multistemmed#pest resistant#deer resistant#pollinator plant#larval host plant#humidity tolerant#compact habit#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#salt spray intolerant#salt intolerant#compact#showy#butterfly caterpillar host#butterfly garden#pollinator garden#showy fruit#long lived#shade tolerant#cold tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Viburnum
    Species:
    obovatum
    Family:
    Viburnaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Its compact habit make it well suited for a location where space is limited.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeast US
    Distribution:
    AL, GA, FL, SC
    Wildlife Value:
    Birds and fowl eat the fruits. Serves as a host plant for the azure butterfly. Bees are also attracted to the flowers.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Wildlife Food Source
    Wildlife Larval Host
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Mounding
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The small red berries will tun black as they age. They are a favorite of a variety of birds as well as small wildlife.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Corymb
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The small flowers form on 2-3" long corymbs in late winter to early spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Spatulate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    In cooler climates, the leaves can take on a red/maroon color.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Multistemmed.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Barrier
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Heavy Shade
    Humidity