Why does my viburnum smell?

Why Does My Viburnum Smell? Let’s Get to the Bottom of That Stinky Shrub!

Viburnums. Aren’t they lovely? These shrubs are garden staples, offering gorgeous foliage, stunning flowers, and those incredible fall colors that make you want to grab a pumpkin spice latte and just breathe. With over 150 different types, they’re incredibly versatile, working as hedges, ground cover, even natural privacy screens. But… sometimes, a dark cloud hangs over this otherwise perfect plant: the smell. Some viburnums stink. Plain and simple. If you’ve ever caught a whiff of something funky coming from your viburnum and wondered if your nose was playing tricks on you, relax. You’re not alone. Let’s dig into why this happens.

The Prime Suspect: Trimethylamine (and Friends)

So, what’s that smell? The main culprit is thought to be a chemical called trimethylamine. You might not recognize the name, but you’d recognize the smell – it’s the same stuff that gives rotting fish its, uh, distinctive aroma. Now, research is a little thin on the ground here, but the general idea is that some viburnums release this compound, or something similar, at certain times. Think of it as their own special brand of eau de toilette… only not quite as pleasant.

Rogues’ Gallery: Viburnums Known for Being a Bit Stinky

Not all viburnums are fragrant angels. Some are, shall we say, olfactory offenders. While plenty boast sweet or spicy scents that’ll have you burying your nose in the blooms, others… not so much. Here are a few of the usual suspects:

• Viburnum plicatum (Doublefile Viburnum or Japanese Snowball Bush): This one’s a repeat offender. People often describe its odor as musky, like damp towels that have been sitting in the gym bag for a week, or even sweaty socks. Nice, right? The worst part? It can sometimes stink even without flowers.
• Viburnum foetidum: The name pretty much gives it away, doesn’t it? “Foetidum” literally means “stinking.” This Himalayan native releases an unpleasant odor when you crush its leaves. So, maybe don’t do that.
• Viburnum tinus: This one’s a bit more subtle. It’s not usually as bad as the others, but some people say the flowers smell like a wet dog, especially on a damp day. (And who wants that wafting through their garden?)
• Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum): I’ve heard some people say this one smells like rotting flesh. I haven’t personally experienced that, thankfully, but it’s definitely something to be aware of!

Keep in mind, though, that smell is subjective. What one person finds offensive, another might barely notice. Plus, the strength of the odor can depend on the specific variety, the weather, and even your own nose!

When Does the Stink Bomb Go Off?

Timing is everything, even when it comes to bad smells. Some viburnums, like the Viburnum plicatum, might give off a whiff throughout the growing season. Others might only stink when they’re getting ready to drop their leaves in the fall – I’ve heard that smell described as, shall we say, “fecal.” Viburnum tinus tends to be at its stinkiest when the flowers are wet.

Why the Stink? (Or, What’s the Point of Smelling Bad?)

Honestly, nobody really knows for sure why some viburnums smell so bad. It’s a bit of a mystery. One theory is that the smell attracts specific pollinators, like flies, that are into the whole “decay” thing. Another idea is that it might keep herbivores away. Or maybe it’s a way to attract mammals to, uh, “fertilize” the plant. But really, it’s all just guesswork at this point. More research is needed to crack this case.

Okay, It Stinks. Now What?

So, you’ve got a stinky viburnum. What can you do about it? Here are a few ideas:

• Know thy viburnum: Figure out exactly what kind of viburnum you have. Is it one of the notorious stinkers? Knowing is half the battle.
• Location, location, location: If the smell is driving you crazy, think about moving the plant to a less-trafficked part of your yard.
• Choose wisely: When you’re buying new viburnums, do your homework! Read up on the fragrance (or lack thereof) of different varieties. Viburnum carlesii (Korean Spice Viburnum) and Viburnum × burkwoodii are famous for their amazing, sweet-smelling flowers.
• Let it breathe: Make sure your viburnum has good air circulation. This can help to dissipate the odor.
• Patience is a virtue: If the smell is only seasonal, just hang in there. It’ll probably disappear once the plant is done flowering or shedding its leaves.

Viburnum TLC: Happy Plant, Happy Gardener (Hopefully!)

Whether your viburnum smells like heaven or… well, not, proper care is key to keeping it healthy and happy. Here’s the lowdown:

• Planting: Early spring is the best time to plant viburnums. Pick a spot with full sun to partial shade and soil that drains well. Dig a hole that’s as deep as the container the plant came in, and twice as wide.
• Watering: Give your viburnum a good, deep watering every week, especially when it’s dry.
• Fertilizing: A balanced fertilizer in the spring will keep it happy.
• Pruning: Prune after it flowers to keep it from getting too leggy. Don’t prune during the dormant season, because you might accidentally cut off the buds that will become next year’s flowers. And always remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches as soon as you see them.
• Soil: Viburnums are pretty adaptable, but they prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.

The Bottom Line

Look, a stinky viburnum isn’t the end of the world. It’s just a little quirk of nature. And remember, not all viburnums stink! By doing your research, choosing the right varieties, and giving your plants the care they need, you can enjoy these beautiful shrubs without having to invest in a nose clip. Happy gardening!