What Is the Best Fertiliser for Viburnum?

The best fertiliser for Viburnum hedges is Complete Grow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20. This balanced liquid fertiliser provides all the major nutrients Viburnum needs for fast growth, glossy foliage, and healthy seasonal flushes.

Nutritional Demands of Viburnum

Viburnum produces several flushes of new leaves each year, which quickly drains soil nutrients. Without feeding, hedges grow slowly, lose colour, and develop sparse sections. A fertiliser like Complete Grow 20-20-20 delivers:

Nitrogen (N): Fuels strong green leaf growth and rapid hedge development.
Phosphorus (P): Builds stronger roots, essential for new and established hedges.
Potassium (K): Improves foliage strength and keeps leaves glossy and vibrant.
Magnesium & micronutrients: Prevents yellowing leaves and nutrient stress.

By starting with a balanced fertiliser program, Viburnum hedges establish faster, grow denser, and maintain year-round colour.

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Best Fertiliser Routine for Viburnum

For Viburnum to grow quickly and maintain dense foliage, a regular feeding program is essential. Using a liquid fertiliser like Complete Grow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 ensures nutrients are available immediately, driving consistent growth through the seasons.

The ideal fertiliser schedule is:

Spring: Feed as new growth begins to fuel the first red or green flush of foliage.
Summer: Apply every 4–6 weeks to maintain steady growth and hedge density.
After Pruning: Always fertilise within a week of trimming to encourage fast recovery and new shoots.
Autumn: Give a final feed before cooler weather to strengthen roots and foliage for winter.

Unlike slow-release fertilisers that can leave gaps in nutrient supply, Complete Grow 20-20-20 is water-soluble and immediately available to the plant. This helps Viburnum hedges establish faster and produce stronger, more regular growth flushes.

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Fertiliser Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes with Viburnum hedges is using too much nitrogen-heavy fertiliser. This produces rapid green growth but makes plants more vulnerable to pests and fungal leaf spot. Another common issue is fertilising too infrequently, which leads to patchy, thin hedges. The solution is balanced, consistent feeding with a formula that supplies all nutrients equally.

For the most reliable results, Complete Grow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 should be used as the foundation fertiliser. It balances nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while also providing micronutrients to keep leaves glossy and prevent deficiencies.

FAQ – Fertilising Viburnum

What fertiliser is best for Viburnum? A balanced NPK liquid such as Complete Grow 20-20-20 for strong growth and healthy foliage.

How often should I fertilise Viburnum? Every 4–6 weeks during the growing season, and after each pruning.

Will slow-release fertiliser work? It can, but liquid fertiliser is faster-acting and more reliable for dense hedges.

Why are my Viburnum leaves yellow? Usually a nitrogen or magnesium deficiency, corrected with balanced feeding.

Can all Viburnum varieties use the same fertiliser? Yes, whether Sweet Viburnum, Viburnum tinus, or Snowball Viburnum, all benefit from a balanced NPK liquid.