Flower Library
Viburnum
Viburnum · Adoxaceae
Viburnum is a spring lead: dense round spherical flower clusters in white or light green. In autumn the same shrub also bears berries — viburnum gives floristry material twice a year.
- Season
- April – May – June – October – November
- Vase life
- 5–10 days
- Latin name
- Viburnum
- Colors
- White, Light green, Pink
Spring season April–June for blooms ('snowball viburnum', botanically Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'). Autumn season October–November for berried varieties.
Classic in wedding and christening floristry (white and pure), also in meadow bouquets as volume carrier.
Woody stem — roughen when cutting like hydrangeas, so water uptake is better.
Is Viburnum toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Most viburnum species are not listed as toxic, but the classic guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) is mildly toxic — especially the red berries can cause vomiting in cats and dogs. Keep berried bouquets out of reach.
Typical symptoms: Vomiting and gastrointestinal upset, especially after eating the red berries.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Roughen woody stem or crosscut.
- 02Water deep, change every 2 days.
- 03Keep cool.
- 04Vase life 5–10 days depending on variety.
Frequently asked
- How does viburnum differ from hydrangea?
- Look-alike — viburnum spheres are smaller and earlier (April–May), hydrangeas larger and later (June–October). Botanically different families.
- Are viburnum berries edible?
- Mostly not raw — mildly toxic. Decorative in bouquets is fine, but keep away from children's hands.
- How long does viburnum last in the vase?
- Depending on the variety about 5–10 days. The key is the woody stem: crosscut or roughen it and place in deep, fresh water — then viburnum takes up water far better and the heads droop less quickly.
- Is viburnum toxic to cats and dogs?
- Most viburnum species are considered largely non-toxic, but in the classic guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) the red berries in particular are mildly toxic and can cause vomiting in cats or dogs. To be safe, keep the bouquet out of your pets' reach.