viburnum
( vye - BURR - num )
At-A-Glance Information
This genus of deciduous and evergreen woody shrubs and trees needs full sun to partial shade and regular water. Viburnum shrubs are native to North America, southeast Asia, and South America. These shrubs are prized for their foliage, flowers and fruit. The large flower heads will attract butterflies to your garden, and the berries that follow will attract birds. Use Viburnum shrubs as screening plants, specimens, or as background shrubs in the landscape. Take care when planting these shrubs in your yard, as the berries of some species are poisonous.
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viburnum Species and Varietals
The genus Viburnum is a member of the plant family Adoxaceae, and includes between 150-175 distinct species. These shrubs were originally included in the family Caprifoliaceae, but were moved based on molecular phylogenic evidence. Viburnum growing zones vary by species. For more information, see the following descriptions. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Viburnum awabuki (Sweet Viburnum) This species is evergreen and grows in zones 15-24 and is native to Asia. It forms a shrub or small tree that reaches 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom in springtime. Red fruit follows blooms and ripens to black. Variety 'Chindo' has smaller leaves and a denser habit, and makes a great tall hedge or screening plant. |
Viburnum x bodnantense This deciduous species grows well in zones 4-9 and 14-24 and reaches 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Leaves are dark green and turn dark red in fall. Flowers are very fragrant and pink, blooming from fall through to spring. Fruit is red. Flower buds will be damaged by freezes. Variety 'Dawn' is well-known and commonly grown in gardens. |
Viburnum x burkwoodii
This species is deciduous in cool areas and evergreen elsewhere. It does best in zones 2-12 and 14-24 and reaches 6-12 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide on average. The leaves are glossy and dark green with white, hairy undersides and flowers are white, opening from pink buds and quite fragrant. Blooms pop in late winter and early springtime. Fruit is blue-black but not showy. This species can be used as an espalier plant.
This species is deciduous in cool areas and evergreen elsewhere. It does best in zones 2-12 and 14-24 and reaches 6-12 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide on average. The leaves are glossy and dark green with white, hairy undersides and flowers are white, opening from pink buds and quite fragrant. Blooms pop in late winter and early springtime. Fruit is blue-black but not showy. This species can be used as an espalier plant.
Viburnum x caricephalum (Fragrant Snowball) This species is deciduous and grows well in zones 3-11 and 14-24, reaching 6-10 feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are greyish-green with soft undersides. Fall foliage is reddish-purple. Flowers bloom in spring and are fragrant and long-lasting. This hybrid does not produce any fruit. |
Viburnum carlesii (Korean Spice Viburnum) This species is deciduous and grows well in zones A3, 2-11 and 14-24 and is native to Korea and Japan. It has a loose, open habit and reaches 4-8 feet tall and wide. Fall color is inconsistent. In spring, white flowers open from pink buds and are sweetly fragrant. Fruit is blue-black. This species does best with partial shade in the warmer months of the year. |
Viburnum davidii Evergreen species best in zones 4-9 and 14-24, and is native to western areas of China. Flowers are white and bloom in springtime, but are not showy as in many other species of Viburnum. Fruit, however, is metallic turquoise-blue and quite eye-catching. Likes acidic soil; needs partial shade. |
Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood) This species is deciduous, best in zones 1-11 and 14-21, and is native to eastern and central areas in North America. Reaches 6-10 feet tall and just as wide. Flowers are creamy white and bloom in late springtime, followed by blue-black fruit and leaves are dark green and ovular, turning colors in fall. |
Viburnum farreri (Viburnum fragrans) This species is deciduous, best in zones 3-9 and 14-24. It is native to China and has a loose habit to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with veined green leaves that turn red-purple in autumn. Flowers are white to pink, fragrant, and bloom between late fall and springtime. Fruit is bright red. Prune to prevent this species from becoming too leggy. Varieties include 'Album' (with white blossoms and pale yellow fruit, also known as 'Candidissimum'), and 'Nanum' (with pink flowers, reaching just 2.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide). |
Viburnum Hybrids
These species all bloom in springtime, and have varying hardiness levels as well as habits and blooms. Peruse the list below for more information on the individuals in this diverse group of landscape shrubs.
These species all bloom in springtime, and have varying hardiness levels as well as habits and blooms. Peruse the list below for more information on the individuals in this diverse group of landscape shrubs.
'Cayuga'
This deciduous variety is best in zones 2-11 and 14-24 and reaches 5 feet tall and wide. Leaves are dark green and flowers are white, opening from pink buds. |
'Chesapeake'
Semi-evergreen hybrid that does best in zones 3-11 and 14-24, reaching 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with wavy, dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers. Fruit is dull red and matures to black. |
'Conoy'
This evergreen hybrid is best in zones 3-12 and 14-24 and has a dense habit to 5 feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are dark green with white undersides, and turn maroon in wintertime. Flowers are just slightly fragrant and are followed by a long showing of red berries. Can tolerate shearing. |
'Eskimo'
Semi-evergreen hybrid with a dense, compact habit to just 5 feet tall and wide. Leaves are shiny and dark green, and flowers are unscented. This variety does best in zones 3-12 and 14-23. |
Viburnum japonicum This evergreen species is native to Japan and does well in zones 5-10, 12, and 14-24. It reaches 10-15 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide, and can be trained into a small tree. Fragrant springtime flowers make a relatively sparse showing, followed by red fruit. Does best with shade in warmer climates. |
Viburnum lantana (Wayfaring Tree) This deciduous species can be trained to be a small tree, and is native to Europe (best in zones A3, 2-9 and 14-17). Reaches 10-20 feet tall and wide with a rounded habit and dark green leaves that have inconsistent fall color. Flowers develop into yellow fruits that age to red and finally turn black. Variety 'Mohican' is a compact variety of this species that reaches just 9 feet tall and wide, and has fruit that holds its red color for a longer period. |
Viburnum macrocephalum (Viburnum macrocephalum 'Sterile') (Chinese Snowball) This species is nearly evergreen, and is best in zones 3-9 and 14-24. It reaches 12-20 feet tall and wide and has a rounded habit. Leaves are dull green and flower clusters are up to 6-8 inches wide, with blooms that begin tinted green and mature to white. Does not fruit. Can be espaliered. Variety Viburnum macrocephalum keteleeri (pictured) has lacecap flower heads and will sometimes produce fruit. |
Viburnum opulus (European Cranberry Bush) Deciduous native to Europe, North Africa and central Asia, best in zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-24 and reaches 8-15 feet tall and wide, with arching branches, giving it a graceful habit. Leaves are dark green and resemble Maple leaves, and fall color ranges from yellow to bright red to purple. Flowers appear in springtime, and form in lacecap heads. Fruit is large, yellow to red and showy. Enjoys moist to boggy soils; needs some help fending off aphids in spring and summer. |
'Aureum'
With golden-yellow foliage; needs some shade. |
'Compactum'
Smaller than the species, to 4-5 feet tall and wide. |
'Nanum'
2 feet tall and wide; great as an informal low hedge. Needs good drainage; does not fruit or flower. |
'Roseum' ('Sterile') (Common Snowball)
Snowball flower clusters to 2.5 inches across, and doesn't fruit. Aphids love this variety. |
Viburnum plicatum (Viburnum tomentosum 'Sterile') (Japanese Snowball) This deciduous species is native to China and Japan, and grows well in zones 3-9 and 14-24 and reaches 8-15 feet tall and wide. Branches are tiered, and leaves are dark green, turning purple in cooler weather. Showy snowball clusters of flowers appear in the middle of spring. Does not fruit. Variety 'Popcorn' is a profuse bloomer. |
Viburnum plicatum tomentosum (Double-File Viburnum) This native of China and Japan and is deciduous. With lacecap flower heads and red fruit that matures to black. Varieties include 'Mariesii' (to 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide), 'Shasta' (6 feet tall and 12 feet wide), 'Nanum Semperflorens' (also called 'Watanabe', blooms spring through summer 4-6 feet tall and wide), 'Summer Snowflake' (4-6 feet tall and wide), and 'Summer Stars' (to 4-6 feet, spring-summer bloom). |
Viburnum rhytidophyllum (Leatherleaf Viburnum) Best in zones 3-9 and 14-24, this species is evergreen, 8-15 feet tall and 6-12 fet wide, with narrow deep green leaves that are fuzzy underneath and wrinkled above. Springtime flowers are yellow-white and are followed by red fruit that ages to black. Can tolerate deep shade, but doesn't do well in wind or cold. Variety 'Cree' reaches just 6-8 feet tall and wide. |
Viburnum sargentii Zones 1-9 and 14-21; deciduous. Native to northeastern Asia, with an erect, rounded habit to 12-15 feet tall and wide. Green leaves are lobed, and are bronze/purple when new Lacecap flower heads bloom in late spring. Fruit is bright red and persists through winter. Variety 'Onondaga' reaches 6 feet tall and wide, with maroon new foliage and maintains a purple tinge. Flowers on this variety are pinkish-white. |
Viburnum suspensum (Sandankwa Viburnum) This species is evergreen and grows well in zones 12-24; native to Japan. Reaches 8-10 feet tall with leathery green leaves that are pale underneath. Springtime flowers and red fruit that ages to black. Susceptible to thrips, spider mites and aphids. Good as a screen or hedge. |
Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus)
Evergreen species best in zones 4-10 and 12-24 and native to the Mediterranean. Leaves are leathery and dark green, and new stems are red. Flowers from fall through spring, producing fragrant white flowers from pink buds. Metallic blue fruit lasts through summer. Great for screens, hedges, and topiaries. Can also be trained as a small tree. Susceptible to mites and mildew in humid areas. Popular varieties are described here.
Evergreen species best in zones 4-10 and 12-24 and native to the Mediterranean. Leaves are leathery and dark green, and new stems are red. Flowers from fall through spring, producing fragrant white flowers from pink buds. Metallic blue fruit lasts through summer. Great for screens, hedges, and topiaries. Can also be trained as a small tree. Susceptible to mites and mildew in humid areas. Popular varieties are described here.
'Robustum' (Roundleaf Laurustinus)
This variety has coarser leaves than the species and white flower buds. Great as a small, narrow tree. |
'Spring Bouquet' ('Compactum')
Upright growth to 4-6 feet tall and wide, great for hedges. Deep green leaves. |
'Variegatum'
Zones 4-9 and 14-24, with marbled green, white and pale yellow leaves. |
Viburnum trilobum (Cranberry Bush) This deciduous shrub grows well in zones A1-A3, 1-11 and 14-20 and is native to Canada and the northern United States. Reaches 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with reddish new foliage and mature dark green leaves. Flowers are lacecap, and bloom in the middle of springtime. Varieties include 'Wentworth' (larger berries and bright red autumn foliage), and 'Compactum' (reaching just 6 feet tall and wide). |
Caring for and pruning viburnum shrubs
Plant care requirements for these shrubs varies somewhat depending on the species. In general, these shrubs prefer full to partial sun conditions. Some varieties do prefer shade, so make sure to check the planting requirements for your specific shrub before installing. Soil should be well-draining for all species and varieties, and have a pH of between 5.6 and 6.6. Amend soil with plenty of organic matter before planting. Keep soil consistently moist, especially while the shrub is getting established and over the hot summer months. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installing to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weeds and mediate soil temperature.
Prune after flowering to prevent legginess and control growth. Deadhead as needed to neaten the plant's appearance and encourage more blooms to pop. Some evergreen species can be sheared into hedges, though not all species respond well to shearing, so check the species requirements before pruning in this way. On older plants, some rejuvenation pruning may be necessary, especially if they are neglected in the landscape. Any hard prunings should be done in late March or early April so that new shoots can grow back in the same season. To rejuvenate, cut 2/3 of the mature branches back to the crown.
Prune after flowering to prevent legginess and control growth. Deadhead as needed to neaten the plant's appearance and encourage more blooms to pop. Some evergreen species can be sheared into hedges, though not all species respond well to shearing, so check the species requirements before pruning in this way. On older plants, some rejuvenation pruning may be necessary, especially if they are neglected in the landscape. Any hard prunings should be done in late March or early April so that new shoots can grow back in the same season. To rejuvenate, cut 2/3 of the mature branches back to the crown.
Propagation
Viburnum can be propagated either by using softwood cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Viburnum by Cutting
Propagating Viburnum by Seed
Propagating Viburnum by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In mid to late spring, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4-6 inch softwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
- If you would like to complete this process using hardwood cuttings, take 8-10 inch cuttings in autumn, and then follow the instructions in steps 2-4.
Propagating Viburnum by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. Viburnum plants are most commonly propagated by cuttings, as seeds are difficult to pollinate, germinate, and grow. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Harvest your seeds. The seeds are contained inside of the fruits produced by the shrubs. You will be able to tell that they are ready to be picked when they are their deepest color; for many species this will be black or dark blue. Just because the fruits contain seeds does not necessarily mean that they have been adequately pollinated, so harvest and sow as many seeds as you can to increase your odds of finding a viable seed that will germinate. Remove the seeds from the fruit, and rinse them. Set them aside to dry.
- A good treatment for Viburnum seeds is a 24 hour soak in warm water. After this treatment is complete, lay them out to dry.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes two years from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Problems and Pests
Viburnum shrubs and trees are susceptible to the following pests and diseases:
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For more information on these issues, including ways to eradicate them, see the following links:
Gallery
Videos
Tips for growing Viburnum.
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All about growing Viburnum davidii.
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Lean about these beautiful, flowering shrubs.
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How to care for Viburnum and keep them pest-free.
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Learn about the many different varieties of these beautiful shrubs and trees.
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Propagating Viburnums from cuttings.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 648 - 650, Viburnum
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