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Viburnum, awabuki
Viburnum, Chindo
Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo'
'Chindo' viburnum, commonly called Awabuki Viburnum, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its large, glossy leaves and dense, upright habit. It is not a Texas native, but it has proven to be a dependable evergreen screen in much of Central and East Texas where winters are moderate. New growth often emerges with a bronzy-red tint before maturing to deep green, giving the plant seasonal visual interest even when not in bloom.
In the Texas landscape, Chindo Viburnum is most often used as a tall privacy hedge, windbreak, or background shrub. It performs best in Central and East Texas and is less reliable in far West or North Texas where prolonged freezes or extreme cold events can cause damage. Mature plants typically reach 15–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide, though they can be maintained smaller with pruning. When planted as a hedge, spacing 6–8 feet apart allows plants to fill in while still maintaining airflow. In spring, clusters of small white flowers appear, followed by red berries that mature to black, adding subtle seasonal interest.
Chindo Viburnum prefers slightly acidic soils and consistently performs best where soil pH is on the lower side. In alkaline Central Texas soils, it can still grow well but may show iron chlorosis unless soil is amended or chelated iron is applied periodically. Good drainage is important; while it tolerates average moisture, it does not perform well in poorly drained or constantly wet soils. Full sun to part shade is ideal, with some afternoon shade being beneficial during extreme summer heat. Deer tolerance is moderate—not deer-proof, but generally less browsed than many softer-leaved shrubs. The plant is considered non-toxic, though ingestion of berries may cause mild stomach upset.
In colder winters, young Chindo Viburnum plants benefit from protection during hard freezes, especially when temperatures drop below the mid-teens. Mulching the root zone helps insulate roots, and avoiding late-season fertilization reduces tender growth going into winter. Established plants are more cold-tolerant and typically recover well from minor freeze damage in spring.
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Evergreen Hedge |
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Privacy Hedge |
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Glossy Foliage |
Flower Color:White
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Height:15-20 Feet
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Spread:10-15 Feet
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Spacing:6-8 feet
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USDA Hardiness Zone 8a
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| VIB-AWA-15 |
#015 VIBURNUM, AWABUKI |
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| VIB-AWA-05 |
#005 VIBURNUM, AWABUKI |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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