Overview

Moonlit Lace is an evergreen viburnum with glossy foliage, reddish new growth, and clusters of small white flowers. Cold weather produces darker purple foliage tones. Its broad habit works best in a bed with generous room.

Mature Size and Habit

Do not plan this selection as a permanent 3- to 4-foot dwarf shrub. Juniper Level Botanic Garden reported a nine-year specimen at 7 feet tall and 12 feet wide in January 2026, with continued growth. Site conditions and pruning affect the final size.

Best Landscape Uses

Use it for a broad informal screen, a large shrub border, or an evergreen backdrop. Leave generous separation from paths and low windows. Choose a different plant where the design requires a permanently small footprint.

Sunlight

Full sun to partial sun is suitable according to the breeder. In hot urban beds, evaluate afternoon exposure and irrigation before planting. Avoid crowded sites with poor air movement.

Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation

Provide well-drained soil and irrigate the root ball carefully during establishment. Check moisture beneath the mulch instead of watering by appearance alone. Keep drainage outlets clear and avoid covering the trunk flare.

Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida

Cooler months simplify initial care. Confirm suitability for the property's heat and soil conditions before installation. This cultivar's published hardiness information ends at zone 9b, so do not assume dependable performance in every hotter Tampa microclimate.

Pruning and Maintenance

Shape after flowering when needed. Selective pruning preserves its branching and reduces constant shearing. Review its spread each year so growth does not block access or cover nearby plants.

Wildlife Value

Spring flowers provide opportunities for pollinator visits. Dense branching provides cover in a mixed planting. Combine ornamental screening with native species when wildlife habitat is a project priority.

Cold and Heat Sensitivity

The breeder and trial garden rate the plant for zones 7 through 9. Winter purple tones depend on cool temperatures. At warmer sites, prioritize drainage, establishment irrigation, and avoiding reflected afternoon heat.

Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings

Do not treat ornamental fruit as edible. Keep children and pets from sampling berries. The large mature spread requires clearance around patios, windows, irrigation controls, and service access.

Invasive Concerns

This is a cultivated hybrid rather than a Florida native. Contain it within managed beds and monitor its growth instead of relying on small nursery labels for permanent spacing.

Helpful Resources

Breeder profile and Juniper Level mature-size observations provide useful references.