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viburnum carlcephalum

If you’re searching for a superb spring-flowering shrub that delivers show-stopping fragrance and beauty, viburnum carlcephalum deserves a place in your New Zealand garden. Known as the Fragrant Snowball or ‘Cane Viburnum’, this deciduous shrub offers domes of creamy white, exceptionally fragrant flowers from late spring, followed by ornamental red berries that ripen to black. With elegant, heart-shaped foliage that turns vibrant shades of red and purple in autumn, viburnum carlcephalum brings year-round interest and is remarkably easy to grow in most New Zealand climates.

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Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum)

Viburnum burkwoodii is an evergreen shrub that features lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of fragrant, white-pink flowers during spring. The glossy, green foliage provides a great backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 2.5 m tall and the same wide.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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Viburnum Dense Fence

5 from 2 customers

Viburnum Dense Fence is an evergreen shrub that features glossy foliage that emerges red and ages to become dark green. Left untrimmed it will grow to 2.5 m tall and 2 m wide but it is often contained to smaller sizes. Viburnum Dense Fence is commonly trimmed into a hedge or left untrimmed as an informal hedge.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Viburnum davidii (female)

This female variety of Viburnum is a popular evergreen shrub due to its lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy...

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Viburnum davidii (male)

This male variety of Viburnum is a popular evergreen shrub due to its lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy...

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Viburnum 'Emerald Beauty'

Viburnum Emerald Beauty is a popular variety due to its impressive foliage and showy flowers. Purple-pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters...

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Viburnum opulus Sterile

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' (Snowball Bush) is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded clusters of pure white flowers that resemble...

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Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus variegatum is an evergreen shrub that features variegated foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of...

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Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price' plant with pink flower buds above lush, dark green foliage.
Viburnum Eve Price

Viburnum 'Eve Price' is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its flowers, foliage, and tidy form. It features dark green foliage, pink buds in...

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Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn'

Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' is a beautiful deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant soft pink flowers that appear from late autumn through winter...

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Viburnum carlesii

Viburnum carlesii, commonly known as the Korean Spice Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub grown for its lovely foliage and showy, fragrant flowers. Pink...

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Viburnum Eskimo

Viburnum Eskimo features impressive foliage and showy flowers. The cream-white flowers appear like giant snow balls and literally coat the plant...

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Viburnum Hedge Master

Viburnum Hedge Master is an evergreen shrub grown for its lush and colourful foliage. The glossy foliage emerges red and ages to become dark green...

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Viburnum Bewleys Variegated

Viburnum Bewleys Variegated is an evergreen shrub that features variegated foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters...

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Viburnum splendens

“Splendens” is a vigorous shrub grown for its dazzling display of flowers. This vigorous plant grows densely with branches holding long, dark green...

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Viburnum davidii

Viburnum davidii is a popular evergreen shrub that features lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of white...

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Viburnum 'Emerald Lustre'

Viburnum Emerald Lustre features pink flower buds that open to reveal clusters of mildly fragrant, white-light pink flowers during winter and early...

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Viburnum opulus roseum (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum', commonly known as the Snowball Tree, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its striking, globe-like clusters of pure white...

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Viburnum opulus Notcutt's Varieity (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Notcutts Variety' is a deciduous shrub valued for its large, fragrant white flower clusters in spring and vibrant red berries in...

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Viburnum plicatum 'Newport' (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum 'Newport' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant layered branching habit and masses of white spring flowers. This...

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Viburnum plicatum Summer Snowflake

Viburnum “Summer Snowflake” is a popular variety that features impressive form, foliage and flowers. Light pink flower buds open to reveal showy...

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Viburnum plicatum grandiflorum

Viburnum plicatum Grandiflorum is a variety of the commonly, Japanese Snowball Plant, and is a deciduous shrub grown for its foliage and flowers...

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Viburnum odoratissimum (Sweet Viburnum)

Viburnum odoratissimum, commonly known as Sweet Viburnum, features impressive foliage and showy flowers. White buds open to reveal showy clusters of...

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Viburnum 'Anvi'

Viburnum 'Anvi' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense glossy foliage and attractive clusters of seasonal flowers that provide year round...

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Viburnum plicatum Roseum

“Roseum” is a deciduous variety of Viburnum and is grown for its foliage and stunning flowers. Showy clusters of pompom-like flowers are borne during...

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Viburnum japonicum

Viburnum japonicum features impressive foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of mildly fragrant, white flowers...

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A lovely Viburnum tinus shrub with green foliage, red flower buds, and white flowers in a pot.
Viburnum tinus

Viburnum tinus, commonly known as Laurustinus, is a dense, evergreen shrub ideal for hedging, screening, or mixed borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

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Viburnum setigerum

Viburnum setigerum, commonly known as Tea Viburnum, is an evergreen shrub grown for its berries, foliage, and flowers. Showy clusters of small, white...

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Viburnum mariesii growing in a garden show white flowers and green foliage.
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant tiered branching habit and masses of white lacecap flowers that...

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Viburnum opulus white flowers on a stem.
Viburnum opulus (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus is a hardy deciduous shrub admired for its attractive clusters of white spring flowers, vibrant red berries, and brilliant autumn...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum plicatum

Viburnum plicatum, commonly known as the Japanese Snowball Plant, is a deciduous shrub that features showy clusters of white, pompom-like flowers...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum trilobum

Viburnum trilobum (American Cranberry Bush) is a hardy deciduous shrub admired for its attractive foliage, clusters of white spring flowers, and...

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Viburnum plicatum Tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum "Tomentosum" is a variety of the commonly known, Japanese Snowball Bush, and is a deciduous shrub grown for its layered foliage and...

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Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Viburnum, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search viburnum carlcephalum

Why Choose Viburnum carlcephalum?

Gardeners choose viburnum carlcephalum for its intoxicating scent, reminiscent of spicy cloves and vanilla—a treat in any garden border or near paths and patios where its perfume can be best enjoyed. Maturing to around 1.5 to 2.5 metres, it’s ideal for mid-sized shrub borders, cottage gardens, or as a specimen shrub. Unlike evergreen versions, its leafless winter structure adds architectural appeal before bursting into growth each spring.

How to Plant and Care for Viburnum carlcephalum

Viburnum carlcephalum thrives in both full sun and part shade and prefers moist but free-draining soil. It appreciates shelter from harsh wind and relishes a mulch of compost in early spring to maintain soil fertility. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and largely pest-free. Prune straight after flowering to shape and encourage next year’s blooms, and feed with a slow-release fertiliser if growth is sluggish. With very little effort, you’ll enjoy years of flowers, fragrance and visual interest.

Design Ideas and Companions

For extended interest, plant viburnum carlcephalum alongside other beautiful viburnums. Try pairing with Viburnum carlesii, another highly fragrant variety boasting pink-tinged flower clusters. Viburnum Eskimo is a compact, rounded shrub perfect for smaller spaces, and Viburnum Dense Fence makes an excellent privacy screen. For a longer seasonal flowering display, consider Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum), known for its semi-evergreen habit, or the reliable Viburnum Hedge Master for a classic, formal hedge effect.

Where to Plant Viburnum carlcephalum

This versatile viburnum can be featured as a standout in mixed shrub borders, incorporated into naturalistic planting schemes, or used as an informal screen. Its autumn colour and scented spring blooms make it perfect for planting near entrances or along driveways where the fragrance and changing foliage can be appreciated. Viburnum carlcephalum is also an excellent pollinator plant, attracting bees and beneficial insects to your garden.

Enhance Your Garden with Viburnum carlcephalum

Add structure, fragrance, and seasonal intrigue with viburnum carlcephalum. Whether you’re looking to enrich a cottage garden, create a focal point, or build a vibrant, scented border, this standout shrub brings joy to gardeners and visitors alike. Browse our full range of viburnums, including Viburnum carlesii, Viburnum Eskimo, and Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum), and find the perfect match for your New Zealand garden.


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Our garden favourites Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' and Rhododendron 'Black Magic' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Rhododendron 'Mt Everest', Polygala grandiflora, and Buxus 'Graham Blandy'.
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