Source: Wikimedia Commons
Linden viburnum
BeginnerViburnum dilatatum
A deciduous shrub typical of Japanese coppice woods, bearing flat clusters of small white flowers in early summer and bunches of red berries about 6 mm across in autumn. In bonsai, small-leaved forms such as 'Kinkazan' are favoured.
About
Gamazumi (Viburnum dilatatum) is a deciduous shrub of the moschatel family, common from mountains to lowland coppice and roadsides in south-west Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, and also found in China and Korea. In May–June it bears many small white flowers in heads 5–10 cm across at the shoot tips, and in September–November oval berries about 6 mm across ripen red; by late autumn they sweeten and draw birds. The opposite leaves, 6–15 cm long, have prominent veins and are rough with hairs on both sides. It is a staple fruiting bonsai offering both white flowers and red berries. Relatives include V. erosum (kobano-gamazumi), with smaller, narrower leaves, and V. wrightii (miyama-gamazumi), narrower still—leaf size and shape tell them apart. The 'Kinkazan' commonly sold for bonsai is described by one guide as a tiny-leaved form and by another as a variegated form, and the species varies a lot, so check the label against the leaves. Tough, heat- and cold-tolerant and unfussy about soil, it becomes leggy and fruits poorly if overfed. Bonsai shops sell it from rooted cuttings to trained trees.
Size of the Linden viburnum
The Linden viburnum grows to 2–5 m tall.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (south-west Hokkaido to Kyushu), China and Korea
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
2–5 m tall
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (sparingly, April to the rainy season and Sept–Nov)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Bright, airy spot or part shade, with shade cloth in summer. More sun means better flowers and fruit
Watering
Likes water and dries fast in growth: 1–2 times daily in spring, 2–3 in summer, every 1–2 days in winter. Summer drought scorches leaves and affects next year's buds
Temperature & overwintering
Heat- and cold-tolerant, but give basic winter protection in a cold frame
Soil & repotting
Fast roots pot-bind quickly; repot every 1–2 years in March before budbreak
Fertilizer
Overfeeding causes leggy growth and poor fruiting—feed little and often: monthly April to the rainy season, none in summer, monthly Sept–Nov
Pruning & styling
Buds rise with the spring shoots, so on fruiting trees pinch only budless shoots to one node in May. Next year's buds form mid-July to August, so stop pinching from July
Pests & cautions
Poor airflow invites scale and spider mites, and powdery mildew in the rainy season. It is native—buy nursery-grown plants, not wild-dug ones
Linden viburnum FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Linden viburnum?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Linden viburnum get?
The mature size of Linden viburnum is 2–5 m tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Linden viburnum?
Linden viburnum: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (sparingly, April to the rainy season and Sept–Nov). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Linden viburnum?
The price of Linden viburnum varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. It is native to Japan—choose nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Bonsai Aged Wood Techniques | Creating Branch Aging Expression and Tree Age Aesthetics
Explains techniques for creating bonsai that appear aged from young stock. Introduces practical methods for expressing tree age aesthetics, from bark texture and branch structure to root development expression and changes over time.
How to Prevent Fertilizer Burn in Bonsai | Determining the Right Fertilizer Amount and Concentration
Why does fertilizer burn occur in bonsai? This explains the mechanism of osmotic pressure, how to identify early symptoms such as browning of leaf tips, why it occurs easily in midsummer and right after repotting, and emergency measures and preventive strategies.
A Guide to Giving Bonsai as Gifts | Appropriate Species and Etiquette for Longevity Celebrations and Business Opening Celebrations
This guide explains how to choose bonsai species and proper etiquette when giving bonsai as gifts for celebrations. It introduces recommended species for different occasions such as longevity celebrations and business opening celebrations, as well as how to choose species while considering management requirements.
Bringing Out the Artistry of Bonsai: Fundamental Techniques in Pruning and Shaping Trees
Master the fundamentals of pruning and shape forming to unveil bonsai artistry. Learn the principles of heavy and light pruning, wiring techniques, how to select bonsai styles and determine the front view, seasonal care schedules, and solutions to common mistakes—all explained step by step.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.