
Photo: 何小花CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Propinquum Viburnum Plant Care
Viburnum propinquum Hemsl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Viburnum propinquum, commonly known as the Chinese viburnum, is a versatile plant known for its striking glossy green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and purple in the fall. This shrub is native to China and thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soil.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–100°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Propinquum Viburnum?
Plant Propinquum Viburnum in full sun to part shade (USDA zones 7a–9b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F (10–38°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Propinquum Viburnum Native To?
What Is the Propinquum Viburnum?
Propinquum Viburnum (Viburnum propinquum) belongs to the Viburnaceae family within the Viburnum genus. Propinquum Viburnum is native to central and southern China, Taiwan, and Luzon in the Philippines.
Propinquum Viburnum displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Propinquum Viburnum produces clusters of small, fragrant white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Propinquum Viburnum?
Water a young or newly planted Propinquum Viburnum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Propinquum Viburnum Need?
Propinquum Viburnum thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Propinquum Viburnum Prefer?
Viburnum propinquum tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Propinquum Viburnum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Propinquum Viburnum?
Moist, well-draining loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Propinquum Viburnum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Propinquum Viburnum?
Feed Propinquum Viburnum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Propinquum Viburnum?
Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and moist, well-draining loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Propinquum Viburnum is suited to USDA Zone 7a – 9b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Propinquum Viburnum?
Propinquum Viburnum can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Propinquum Viburnum?
Prune Propinquum Viburnum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Propinquum Viburnum in Winter?
Propinquum Viburnum is hardy down to USDA zone 7a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Propinquum Viburnum?
Propinquum Viburnum can be propagated through softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mapleleaf viburnum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Propinquum Viburnum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Propinquum Viburnum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Propinquum Viburnum?
Propinquum Viburnum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, viburnum beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Propinquum Viburnum Need?
Propinquum Viburnum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Propinquum Viburnum is native to central and southern China, Taiwan, and Luzon in the Philippines.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Propinquum Viburnum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Viburnum genus — compare its care with other Viburnum species on PlantoScan.
Viburnum is part of the Viburnaceae plant family — browse all Viburnaceae genera and species.
Propinquum Viburnum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Viburnum Species
Other Viburnum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Viburnum propinquum Hemsl., family Viburnaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 23: 355 (1888)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Propinquum Viburnum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: 何小花, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
