Viburnum
Uses:
- Specimen Plants
- Hedges
- Wildlife Gardens
Features:
- Mostly Native Flowering Shrub
- Produces Berries
- Attracts Pollinators
Sunlight:
- Prefers Full Sun, Can Handle Less
- 4+ Hours of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 3-10
- What is My Zone?
Viburnums are mostly native shrubs, which are primarily grown for their flowers, berries and beautiful fall foliage. These low maintenance shrubs are also beneficial to pollinators and birds!
Viburnum Plant Information
Viburnum is a genus of shrubs in the Adoxaceae plant family. There are 150-175 species in this plant family. These shrubs are popular due to their fragrant flowers, berries, and color in the fall. In cool climates, the shrubs are deciduous, and in warmer climates, they can be evergreen. In the fall, the leaves turn red or purple. The berries are produced in fall and are red, blue, or sometimes black in color. Most, but not all, species require another variety to be planted nearby (within 50 feet) to set fruit. Be sure to read each variety’s description to determine what you need to purchase to be successful in growing these spectacular shrubs.
These shrubs are native to temperate regions of North America, Asia, and Africa. Birds and insects love viburnums for the flowers and the berries the plants produce. These have winter interest due to the berries lasting through the winter in some cases and can be evergreen in warmer climates.
Viburnums have simple leaves, arranged in an alternating pattern instead of like a ladder along the stem. They are always a woody shrub and will bloom on the previous year’s wood instead of on new growth. They are a low-maintenance plant, needing next to no fertilizer unless your soil is badly depleted.
The Best Way To Use Viburnum
Viburnums are primarily grown for their flowers, berries, and beautiful fall foliage. They should be planted with a Southern or Western exposure in your garden or landscape.
Viburnums are cold-hardy in Zones 3 to 10, depending on the variety. The shrubs grow 1 to 15 feet tall and have a mounding growth habit. Plant them in well-drained soil and in a place where they can get full to partial sun each day.
Gardeners grow viburnum for their four-season interest in their landscape. They make wonderful specimen shrubs, as well as interesting borders, hedges, or container plants. Grow these in your yard, and the wildlife will thank you as well.
Flowering shrub with fragrant flowers
Blue and red berries
Attractive fall foliage
1 to 15 feet tall
Growing zones 3 to 10
Viburnum Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Asterids |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum L. |
Landscaping Tip: Viburnums are invaluable for landscaping as they are quite versatile. Smaller varieties can be grown in larger containers for patio or porch displays, and larger, more upright varieties are great for larger landscapes. They can be planted in full sun or light shade, providing the solution to the all-too-common problem of continuity in your landscape design.
About Viburnum
Genus
Species
Family
Viburnum
100+
Viburnaceae, Adoxaceae
Common Names:
Wayfaring Tree, European Cranberrybush, Siebold's Arrowwood, Laurustinus
Native To:
North America, Asia
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3-9
Flower Color:
White, Pink
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring, Summer
Growth Habit:
Rounded
Attracts:
Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Bees
Tolerates:
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Viburnum In The Garden
Viburnums are valued for their unique combination of ornamental features, including clusters of delicate flowers, showy berries, and attractive foliage that often changes color with the seasons. Unlike many other shrubs, they offer a year-round display, with fragrant blooms in spring, vibrant fruits in summer and fall, and some varieties displaying striking autumn foliage. Their adaptability to a range of soil types and growing conditions makes them a reliable and versatile choice for gardeners seeking beauty with minimal maintenance.
These shrubs can be incorporated into the garden as specimen plants, hedges, or mixed borders. Their ability to attract pollinators and birds enhances biodiversity, while their dense growth makes them suitable for privacy screening or windbreaks. Compact species fit well in small gardens or containers, while larger varieties add structure to open landscapes. Their seasonal interest and adaptability ensure a dynamic and appealing presence in any garden design.
Viburnums Care
Viburnum plants need well-drained soil enriched with organic matter to support healthy growth. They perform best in locations with full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety. Watering should be consistent, especially during the first growing season, to help establish strong roots. Once established, these plants are drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during dry spells. Fertilizing in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer promotes vigorous growth and improves foliage and flower production.
Pruning should be done immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage next season’s blooms. For winter care, adding mulch around the base helps protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Viburnums adapt well to container gardening, provided the pots have proper drainage and are large enough to accommodate their growth. During winter, container-grown viburnums may need to be moved to a protected area to avoid extreme cold.
Learn More About Viburnum
Viburnum Companion Plants
Plants that go well with viburnum are acid loving annuals, perennials and shrubs. These are our favorite plants to grow with Viburnum.
