Japanese Evergreen Viburnum

Viburnum awabuki 'Chindo'

$23.00
1 Gallon USDA Zones 7–9 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 12–15 Feet

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.

Bold, glossy foliage and dramatic, cascading clusters of brilliant red fruit define ‘Chindo’ Viburnum—a vigorous evergreen selected for both ornamental impact and Southern adaptability. Few broadleaf evergreens offer this combination of shine, structure, and seasonal display at such a substantial scale.


The Story

‘Chindo’ was selected by the late J. C. Raulston, legendary plantsman and founder of the arboretum now known as the JC Raulston Arboretum. The original plant was discovered growing in a schoolyard on Chindo (Jindo) Island, Korea. Raulston recognized its exceptional fruiting habit and introduced it to American horticulture.

The species, Viburnum awabuki, is native to warm-temperate regions of East Asia including Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. ‘Chindo’ distinguishes itself through heavier fruit set, superior foliage substance, and reliable performance in the southeastern United States.


Culture & Confusion

‘Chindo’ is sometimes incorrectly labeled as Viburnum macrophyllum and is occasionally confused with Viburnum odoratissimum. While related, V. awabuki generally has thicker, glossier foliage and superior cold tolerance compared to typical V. odoratissimum forms grown in the South.


Design Field Notes

  • Excellent evergreen screen or privacy hedge

  • Strong vertical accent in mixed borders

  • Effective backdrop for woodland gardens

  • Suitable for coastal and humid climates

Because of its size, allow ample space—this is not a small foundation shrub but a substantial structural element.


Why grow it?
For gardeners seeking evergreen architecture with bold foliage and showy fruit, Viburnum awabuki ‘Chindo’ remains one of the most reliable and visually commanding options for Southern landscapes. It carries both horticultural pedigree and proven performance—an enduring Raulston introduction that continues to earn its place in the garden.

Photo courtesy of Jim Robbins.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 12–15 Feet · Spread 5–6 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Foliage & Form

This is a large, upright evergreen shrub, typically reaching 12–20 feet tall with a strong vertical presence. The leaves are substantial—often 6–8 inches long—thick, leathery, and highly polished. Their deep green, almost lacquered surface reflects light beautifully, lending the plant a refined, almost tropical character.

The dense branching habit makes it effective as a screen or tall hedge, though it can also be trained as a small tree with selective pruning.

Flowers & Fruit

In spring, creamy white, lightly fragrant flower clusters appear at the branch tips. These are followed by the plant’s signature feature: large, pendulous clusters of bright red berries that hang conspicuously against the dark foliage.

Fruit typically ripens from green to red and may deepen toward red-black as the season progresses. The heavy, cascading clusters are more dramatic than those of many related viburnums, creating strong late-season ornamental interest and providing food for birds.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil preferred
Water: Moderate; avoid prolonged drought when young
Hardiness: Particularly well adapted to the southeastern U.S.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.