Chindo Viburnum (Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo')

Chindo Viburnum is a fast-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its lustrous dark green foliage, upright growth habit, and high adaptability. Native to Korea and Japan, this tough and attractive shrub is commonly used for hedges, screens, or large background plantings, and it shines in southern landscapes due to its heat and humidity tolerance.

Key Features:

1. Foliage: Features large, glossy, deep green leaves with a leathery texture that remain evergreen year-round. The foliage adds a tropical feel and creates a lush, full appearance.

2. Growth Habit: Grows in a dense, upright form reaching 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide at maturity. It can be pruned to maintain a smaller size or shape as needed.

3. Flowers and Fruit:

   • In spring, clusters of small white flowers bloom, often attracting pollinators.

   • If pollinated, small red berries follow and ripen to black in fall, providing visual interest and food for birds.

4. Evergreen: Retains foliage all year, making it a reliable privacy screen or backdrop even in winter.

5. Hardiness: Best suited for USDA zones 7–10. It performs well in southern climates and is moderately drought-tolerant once established.

General Care Tips:

1. Light: Prefers full sun to part shade. It will grow more densely and flower better with more sunlight but can tolerate moderate shade.

2. Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types but thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Avoid waterlogged locations.

3. Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods.

4. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or reduce size. It responds well to pruning and can be kept formal or natural.

5. Fertilization: Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to promote lush growth and flowering.

6. Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-resistant and disease-tolerant. Good air circulation and proper spacing help prevent leaf spot or powdery mildew in humid areas.

Landscape Uses:

• Privacy hedge or screen

• Evergreen backdrop in borders

• Foundation planting for larger buildings

• Accent shrub in large beds

• Wildlife garden (pollinators and birds)

Chindo Viburnum is a bold, versatile shrub that combines beauty, durability, and function. Whether used as a standalone specimen or mass-planted for a fast-growing screen, it's an excellent choice for low-maintenance structure and evergreen color in the landscape.