Viburnum burejaeticum ‘P017S’ Mini Man™ (Mini Man™ dwarf Manchurian viburnum)

Plant Type: Shrub

Height: 4 – 6 feet

Width: 4 – 6 feet

Flowering Season: Early to mid-May 

Flower Color: White & yellow floret cluster flowers

Foliage Color: Velvety light green leaves that and turn amber shades in the fall 

Light: Sun, part sun

Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-7

Water Needs: Moderate to dry, supplemental irrigation = 0.5” of water every other week.

Water Budget: approximately 3.5 gallons of water per square foot per year

Mini Man™, short for “mini” Manchurian viburnum, is a compact, resilient shrub perfectly suited for modern urban landscapes. Unlike traditional Manchurian viburnums that can reach a sprawling 12 feet, Mini Man™ maintains a manageable size of 4–6 feet tall and wide. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, commercial landscapes, and spaces where every inch counts.

In mid-spring, Mini Man™ delights with a four-week display of creamy white, flat-topped umbel flowers. These blossoms elegantly contrast against the shrub’s soft, velvety green leaves, creating a sense of comfort and tranquility. As the seasons progress, the grey bark and well-defined branching structure peek through the foliage, hinting at the plant’s underlying strength. In winter, this structural beauty becomes more pronounced, lending a sense of resilience to the landscape.

Late fall brings an added surprise: clusters of red fruit that mature to black, providing a feast for birds. The avian visitors quickly harvest these bountiful treats, adding dynamic movement to the garden. As this seasonal cycle culminates, the foliage shifts to rich amber hues before gracefully dropping to the ground.

Discovered at Valley Nursery in Helena, Montana, among a row of seed-grown Manchurian viburnums, Mini Man™ stands out for its hardiness, adaptability, and versatility. This exceptional shrub thrives in all soil types, from clay to loam, and handles varying water availability with ease. Whether you have a water-rich garden or a dry garden, Mini Man™ is a reliable performer. It seamlessly blends the refined elegance of eastern garden aesthetics with the rugged durability needed for western climates.

For those who want to maintain a traditional lawn while conserving water in other parts of the yard, Mini Man™ is the ideal solution. It offers a low-maintenance, water-wise option without sacrificing beauty. Mini Man™ embodies the perfect balance of beauty, utility, and efficiency — a testament to the power of thoughtful plant selection.

Explore more exceptional plants like Mini Man™ and learn about water-wise gardening at Plant Select®.

Contributed by Ross Shrigley Plant Select® 

Design/Maintenance Tips

• Annual Commercial Maintenance: If desired, it can be shaped by light shearing in early summer. 
• Perfect for more formal or symmetrical landscape designs. 
• Drought tolerance and compact form make it ideal for intermountain region
• Elevation Guide: Up to 7500 ft
• Suggested companion plants include: Seven-son-flower, Leprechaun Southernwood, Red Feathers, SteppeSuns® Hokubetsi, Snow Angel coral bells, Kintzley’s Ghost® honeysuckle or Avalanche white sun daisy
• Good for pollinators
• Deer resistant
• North American Native: No

Explore www.plantselect.org to learn more about North American native plants, plant water requirements and local garden centers near you!