How to prune viburnums or Viburnum?

Viburnums, known by the botanical genus name Viburnum, are bushes prized for their abundant flowering and decorative foliage. Adaptable to many climates, viburnums offer a wide diversity of sizes, shapes and flower colours, making them suitable for various uses in the garden: hedges, borders or as individual specimens. Their adaptability and aesthetic appeal make them a popular choice for gardeners.

Viburnums in general

Viburnums are easy-to-grow bushes, adaptable to a wide range of soils, but preferring well-drained soils rich in organic matter. They need sun or partial shade for optimal flowering, although some species tolerate shade. Regular watering is recommended, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil slightly moist. In terms of maintenance, viburnums require little pruning, except to shape the plant or remove dead or diseased branches.

Informal hedges composed of viburnums and other bushes, such as decorative dogwoods, elders or barberries, play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity by providing varied habitat and food sources for wildlife.

Why prune viburnums?

Pruning Viburnum helps maintain the desired shape and size of the bush, especially for those used in hedges. Secondly, regular pruning encourages fuller flowering and denser foliage. Finally, it allows you to remove dead or diseased branches, thereby improving the overall health of the plant.

However, it is not always necessary to prune viburnums. You can do so on isolated specimens to preserve a harmonious shape, and then remove dead or damaged branches. This will depend greatly on the species of viburnum: for example, Viburnum lantana and Viburnum davidii do well with light pruning to remove a few dead or poorly placed shoots; whereas Viburnum x burkwoodii and Viburnum plicatum do not usually need pruning. Finally, Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), when planted as a hedge, tolerates severe pruning, allowing a more formal shape and control of its growth.

Good idea!: Pruning waste from viburnums can be reused ecologically. Branches and leaves can be composted to enrich the soil, or used to create deadwood piles that provide natural habitat for beneficial garden wildlife.

When should I prune my viburnums?

The ideal time to prune viburnums depends on their variety and flowering cycle. As a general rule, viburnums that flower in spring (for example Viburnum 'Snowball') should be pruned immediately after flowering, because they form their flower buds on last year’s wood. For those that flower later, in summer or autumn, or even in winter for Viburnum 'Charles Lamont', pruning can be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts and always after flowering.

Please note: Pruning frequency for viburnums varies depending on species and objective. For example, flowering varieties like Viburnum 'Snowball' benefit from annual pruning after flowering, whereas species such as Viburnum davidii may only need pruning every two to three years to maintain shape and vigour.

How to prune Viburnum

1. Inspect the bush: Before starting, examine your Viburnum to identify dead, diseased or tangled branches.
2. Remove unwanted branches: Use pruning shears or loppers to remove dead or diseased branches. For denser growth, cut just above a bud facing outwards.
3. Shape the bush: Prune branches to maintain the desired shape. If your Viburnum is planted in a trimmed hedge (especially Laurustinus), ensure the base is wider than the top.
4. Prune lightly: Viburnums generally do not require severe pruning. A light trim to maintain shape is often sufficient.
5. Safety: Wear protective goggles to prevent debris in the eyes and thick gloves to protect hands from cuts and splinters.

Required equipment

• Pruning shears sharpened for small branches.
• Loppers or pruning saw for thicker branches.
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands.
• Tool disinfectant, to prevent spread of disease between plants.