Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum

Name: Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 13686
Price: 83.25 USD
Availability: InStock

Viburnum farreri 'Nanum'

Nature Hills Nursery

$83²⁵

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container 1-2 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight each day; this is crucial for the densest growth and most prolific bloom production. While this plant accepts partial shade, placing it in a shadier spot will result in a slightly more open habit and fewer of those highly fragrant flowers.
Soil: This Viburnum thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, blend in some aged compost or pine fines to ensure good drainage. For sandy soils, use peat moss or compost to help the root zone retain adequate moisture.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, give your shrub a deep soaking about once a week to help it get established; the goal is roughly one inch of water delivered evenly over the root zone. Once mature, the Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum is moderately drought tolerant, but it performs best with consistent moisture during hot periods. Inconsistent watering during a dry spell will stress the plant, potentially leading to smaller foliage and reduced bloom quality the following spring.

Pruning Tips

This Viburnum flowers on old wood, meaning the buds for next spring's blooms are set on last year's growth. The best time to prune is immediately after the plant finishes flowering in late spring or early summer. Use a renewal pruning technique by selectively removing one third of the oldest, thickest canes right down to the ground; this maintains a natural shape and encourages vigorous new growth. Pruning later in the year is what removes those developing flower buds and prevents next season’s beautiful bloom.

Fertilizer Needs

A light application of a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a formulation designed for trees and shrubs, is all that is needed in early spring before new growth emerges. What to avoid: Skip any heavy nitrogen feeding after midsummer. Too much nitrogen late in the season encourages soft, tender growth that will not properly harden off, leaving it highly susceptible to winter injury.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum - Compact Scent!

Looking for a petite powerhouse with delightful fragrance and tidy form? Meet the Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum (Viburnum farreri 'Nanum'), a dense, rounded deciduous shrub that packs a serious punch of spring perfume. This dwarf hybrid offers intensely sweet-smelling blooms in early to mid-spring, opening in clusters of soft pink buds that mature into creamy white flowers.

Though small in size, it's big on beauty—and yes, it's reblooming in some regions where the climate allows! This compact shrub typically grows just 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, forming a neatly mounded shape. Its leathery, dark green leaves are semi-evergreen in warmer climates, offering a year-round presence.

In fall, expect a lovely display of bronze to reddish hues, especially in cooler zones. While it's not known for fruit production like some other Viburnums, it makes up for it with its dense, ornamental foliage and heavenly scent.

Key Features

Sweetly fragrant white spring flowers from pink buds
Dwarf space-saving habit, only 3–4 feet tall and wide
Semi-evergreen in warmer regions
Tidy, rounded growth habit
Bronze to reddish fall foliage
Adaptable and low-maintenance
Deer and rabbit-resistant
Reblooming potential in mild climates

Landscaping Uses

Culturally symbolic of loyalty and lasting affection, Viburnums have long been used in traditional gardens, and this dwarf form brings that legacy to smaller spaces with grace.

Perfect for small gardens or foundation plantings, Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum reaches just 2 to 4 feet tall and wide with a symmetrical mounding shape.

Use as a low-growing fragrant hedge or border along pathways
Plant in mass for a perfumed, spring-blooming screen
Accent plant near patios or entries for scent on the breeze
Ideal for mixed shrub borders or cottage gardens
Add to cottage gardens, perfume meditation gardens, or spice up sensory gardens
Grow in containers in colder zones for portability and seasonal flair

Care and Maintenance

As a hybrid, Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum is both hardy and adaptable. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8, it's well-suited to temperate and cooler climates. It's part of the larger Viburnum family, a genus with over 150 species, many native to Asia and North America. This particular cultivar thrives with full sun to part shade, tolerates urban pollution, and resists deer and rabbits.

This deciduous shrub is beloved for its floral scent, compact shape, and carefree nature. It's drought-tolerant once established and handles clay and urban soils like a champ.

Planting Time: Spring or fall planting is ideal
Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil; tolerates clay and average garden soils
Moisture Needs: Medium moisture; drought tolerant once established
Mulch/Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch deep layer of mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temps
Fertilization Needs: Light feeder; compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
Pruning Info: Prune lightly after flowering; blooms on old wood
Renewal Pruning: Every few years, remove 1–3 oldest stems to rejuvenate
Special Needs/Perks:

Deer and rabbit-resistant
Urban/pollution-tolerant
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types
Low maintenance and suitable for foundation plantings

Fragrant, Fabulous, and Fun-Sized!

The Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum is the scented shrub your small-space garden has been craving. Compact, fragrant, and oh-so-lovely in bloom, it brings a sensory delight each spring—and keeps on charming all year. Don't miss out on this perfect pairing of fragrance and form.

Order now at Nature Hills Nursery and we'll ship at the perfect planting time for your growing zone.

Botanical Name

Viburnum farreri 'Nanum'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

farreri
Cultivar

Nanum
Growing Zones

4-8
Height

2-4 ft
Width

2-4 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Red
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 4-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the soil requirements for planting Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum?

Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide pH range from slightly acidic to alkaline. This adaptable shrub handles various soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and amend heavy clay with compost for best results.

What are the watering needs for Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum after planting?

Water deeply twice weekly for the first growing season to establish this compact 2-4 foot shrub. Once established, Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum is quite drought tolerant and low-maintenance. Reduce watering frequency but maintain deep, infrequent sessions rather than shallow daily watering.

When and how should I prune Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum to ensure blooming?

Prune Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum immediately after spring flowering ends, since it blooms on old wood. Light pruning maintains its naturally tidy, rounded shape at 2-4 feet. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches to preserve next year's fragrant blooms.

Is Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum deer or rabbit resistant?

Yes, Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum is both deer and rabbit resistant. This natural resistance makes it an excellent choice for gardens where these pests are problematic. Plant it confidently in areas where other shrubs get browsed.

Does Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum require a separate pollinator for berries or flowers?

Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum is not known for fruit production, so pollination isn't a concern for this variety. This compact shrub is grown primarily for its intensely fragrant spring blooms and ornamental foliage rather than berries. Focus on enjoying the sweet scent and tidy 2-4 foot form available at naturehills.com.

Can Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum tolerate clay soil or urban pollution?

Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum adapts well to various soil conditions including clay, and its hardy nature makes it reasonably tolerant of urban pollution. This resilient shrub thrives in challenging sites where other plants might struggle. For clay soils, add compost at planting to improve drainage and root establishment.

How is Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum shipped—bare root or potted, and when is it available?

Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum ships as potted plants during the standard planting seasons of spring and fall. This ensures the best root establishment for this compact 2-4 foot shrub. Order early spring for immediate planting after frost danger passes in your zone.

Will Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum stay truly dwarf, or does it spread wide?

Dwarf Fragrant Viburnum stays truly compact at just 2-4 feet tall and wide with a neat, rounded mounding habit. This well-behaved shrub won't spread beyond its designated space, making it perfect for small gardens and foundation plantings where size control matters.