Viburnum davidii

A lovely medium-sized evergreen shrub that naturally forms a neat dome or mound of dark green, very handsome leaves. The foliage is deep green, their shape elliptic (pointy ovals) with 3 crisp raised veins making each a work of delicate art. Could be described rather unkindly as ‘leathery’ but this is a premium hide and their thick robust quality gives them a strong architectural form. Small clusters of pinky-white flowers will appear in late spring and these bring an added dimension to this desirable shrub. If plants of both sexes are grown close together then come autumn you’ll have sprays of metallic blue berries which look so shiny they could be chromed. Happy in shade or semi-shade, this shrub is super for establishing evergreen interest in a garden design, and it is extremely hardy to boot.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.