Wayfaring Tree Shrub (Viburnum Lantana)

Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lantana) is a hardy, native deciduous shrub, particularly well suited to chalky soils and often found in scrub, hedgerows and woodland edges. Flat topped clusters of creamy white flowers appear in May, followed by oval berries that start red before ripening to black, though these are not edible and can cause stomach upset if eaten. Large, oval leaves with a soft, downy underside turn red and purple in autumn. Viburnum lantana grows well in most well drained soils, including chalk, and tolerates full sun or partial shade, typically reaching up to 5 metres.

Birds feed on the ripening berries while hoverflies and other insects are drawn to the flowers, making Wayfaring Tree a valuable addition to wildlife friendly hedgerows and gardens.

One of the more adaptable viburnum shrubs, Wayfaring Tree suits informal hedging, woodland gardens and mixed native planting schemes with minimal maintenance.