Have you been considering planting Viburnum but are unsure whether it’s a good choice for supporting New Zealand’s native wildlife, including but not limited to pollinators? With its lush foliage, clusters of flowers, and colourful berries, Viburnum might surprise you with how much it offers to your garden’s ecosystem, even though it isn’t a native. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, Viburnum has some compelling benefits that could make it the perfect addition.
Dense Fence™ Viburnum odoratissimum performing extremely well in relative shade as a dense understory shrub.
What Is Viburnum?
Viburnum is a broad genus of plants, ranging from evergreen shrubs to deciduous varieties, and whether you need a hedge, a stand-alone plant, or a backdrop to complement other species, a good Viburnum might just be what you need.
The flowers, often arranged in large clusters, vary from white and cream to soft pinks, blooming mainly in spring. Berries appear in autumn, with vibrant colours ranging from red, blue, or even black. They play a helpful role in feeding wildlife when food supplies might be sparse.
Most Viburnum varieties thrive in well-draining soils and will happily grow in sunny spots or partial shade. They’re surprisingly hardy and tolerate a range of conditions, making them a favourite for gardeners who want hedging with minimal fuss and maximum reward.
Dense Fence™ Viburnum odoratissimum contrasting colours against the magnolia behind.
Viburnum and Pollinators
You might be wondering, “Can Viburnum really make a difference for native NZ pollinators?” The short answer is yes! Viburnum flowers are nectar-rich and utterly irresistible to generalist pollinators like native bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Their clustered arrangement offers an ideal landing platform for these insects, while the abundance of nectar provides much-needed fuel.
Native New Zealand bees and introduced honeybees alike are frequent visitors to Viburnum flowers, particularly in late winter or early spring when other plants may not yet be in bloom. This timing makes Viburnum an invaluable resource for pollinators as they emerge from hibernation or dormancy, eager for sustenance. Butterflies are also drawn to Viburnum, flitting around the flowers and contributing to pollination while they feed.
Dense Fence™ Viburnum odoratissimum starting to bloom for the season.
Berries for Birds
Beyond pollinators, Viburnum’s berries are a major draw for New Zealand’s birds. Native species like tui and silvereyes are regular diners, enjoying the energy-rich fruits as a natural food source, especially during the cooler months. If you want to provide for local birdlife, Viburnum delivers.
Its dense foliage also creates the perfect hiding spot for small birds seeking shelter from predators. Whether it’s protection from sharp-eyed sparrowhawks or a snug space for nesting, Viburnum stands ready to support avian visitors.
Predatory Insects, Birds, Micro Bats and More
Viburnum are known to attract sap-suckers, such as aphids, thrips, scale and so forth. These insects are generally thought of as pests, but that’s not the way we need to approach eco-gardening. Remember the over-arching principles of the food web: build the bottom layers and you support the higher levels.
Sap-suckers feed predatory and parasitoid insects such as native micro wasps, ladybirds, lacewings, and so forth. These pest-eating insects in turn are predated upon by larger insects, birds, mammals, reptiles and more.
New Zealand’s thought to have two currently existing micro bat species, both of which are at risk of extinction, and both of which are insectivorous. Plants that attract insects play a foundational role in their diet. https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2837-new-zealand-bats-pekapeka
Ranges where Chalinolobus tuberculatus is thought to be distributed. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Distribution_of_Chalinolobus_tuberculatus.png
And here’s a map of the range of Mystacina tuberculata and its subspecies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_lesser_short-tailed_bat
Viburnum: Non-Native Beneficial Shrubbery
Some people worry that planting non-native plants like Viburnum might disrupt the ecological balance in your backyard. But here’s the thing—many of New Zealand’s pollinators and birds aren’t exclusive to native plants. They’re opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll take whatever’s on offer as long as it meets their needs.
Take tui, for instance. These iconic birds are often spotted sipping on the flowers of exotic plants like camellias or flowering gums. Similarly, butterflies and bees will eagerly visit any plant providing accessible nectar. The key is not about sticking to ‘native-only’ but creating a diverse garden that supports a rich community of wildlife. Viburnum fits nicely into this approach.
Pairing Viburnum with native New Zealand plants like harakeke (flax) or kawakawa can give your garden a contemporary aesthetic while maximising resources for local wildlife. It’s the easiest way to keep your garden biodiverse yet beautiful.
Dense Fence™ Viburnum odoratissimum with new lime-green and orange-toned foliage in spring.
How to Get the Best Out of Viburnum
If you’re interested in adding Viburnum to your garden, there are a few simple tips to ensure it thrives while supporting wildlife.
- Choose Wisely: With so many Viburnum species available, it’s worth picking one that matches your needs. Dense Fence™ Viburnum odoratissimum https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/dense-fence-viburnum/ forms a dense manicured hedge or naturalistic shrub that creates an impenetrable screen for blocking sounds and providing privacy, on top of the ecological benefits already mentioned.
- Plant in the Right Spot: Viburnum generally does well in full sun or partial shade but struggles in waterlogged soil. Make sure your spot has good drainage to keep the plant healthy.
- Encourage Biodiversity: Create variety by planting Viburnum alongside other plants including exotics and natives. This provides a wider range of resources for your garden’s wildlife, from nectar to nesting sites.
- Minimal Upkeep: Give it light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth if desired. An annual mulch with organic matter or a dash of fertiliser will keep it looking its best.
Things to Watch Out For
Like all plants, Viburnum isn’t entirely trouble-free. It can sometimes attract aphids or scale insects, but these pests rarely cause serious damage, especially in a lively garden with natural predators like ladybirds. Besides, these so-called ‘pests’ form an integral part of the bottom of the food chain and feed a variety of insects, birds and more.
Humidity can lead to fungal issues like powdery mildew, but placing your Viburnum somewhere with good airflow can help prevent this. Choosing a quality cultivar like Dense Fence™ Viburnum helps as well, because it’s a well-bred cultivar that’s much tougher than common forms and naturally resists health problems better.
Why Viburnum Deserves Your Attention
Viburnum isn’t just an attractive shrub—it’s a hardworking one. From supporting bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers to feeding birds with its nutritious berries, Viburnum contributes more to your garden than first meets the eye.
Add to this its year-round beauty, ease of care, and adaptability, and Viburnum proves itself a worthy contender for any New Zealand wildlife-friendly garden. By blending it thoughtfully with native plants, you’ll create a thriving haven that supports biodiversity while keeping your space lush and inviting.
Why not give Viburnum a try? With its ability to look great, attract wildlife, and bring balance to your garden, it’s a choice both you and your local wildlife will appreciate.