Native Viburnums: Ideal Shrubs for Your Garden

Growing native Viburnum species in the U.S. offers a range of benefits, both ecological and aesthetic

Viburnum nudum, possumhaw virburnum, Pink Berries

Viburnums are a diverse group of flowering shrubs that belong to the Adoxaceae family. They are native to various parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Europe, and have become staples in gardens across different climates and settings.

The Popularity of Viburnums in Landscapes

One of the main reasons for their popularity is their multi-seasonal appeal. In spring, they burst into a profusion of often fragrant flowers that range in color from white to pink. During summer, their lush, green foliage provides a serene backdrop for other flowering plants. By autumn, many viburnums offer a stunning display of vibrant berries that not only add color but also attract birds and other wildlife. In some species, the leaves transition into stunning shades of red, orange, or purple, further enhancing their autumnal display.

These shrubs are extremely versatile, ranging in size from compact species suitable for small gardens to large, sprawling varieties that serve as focal points in expansive landscapes.

Beyond aesthetics, viburnums are appreciated for their adaptability and resilience. They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and light conditions, and many species are resistant to pests and diseases. Their versatility makes them suitable for various roles in the garden, from hedges and screens to specimen plants. The combination of beauty, hardiness, and ecological benefits make viburnums an enduring favorite among gardeners.

Why Native Viburnums Deserve a Place in Your Garden

Growing native Viburnum species in the U.S. offers a range of benefits, both ecological and aesthetic. Native Viburnums are adapted to local soil and climate conditions, making them easier to grow with less supplemental watering and fertilization. They also support native wildlife like birds and pollinators, providing them with food and shelter. Furthermore, native Viburnums typically have fewer problems with diseases and pests than non-native species, resulting in a healthier, more robust landscape.

One of the standout benefits is the role they play in supporting local ecosystems. Native birds often prefer the berries from native Viburnums, and these shrubs can provide a critical food source during winter months. Moreover, native Viburnums are more likely to attract native insect species, including beneficial insects that help keep pest populations in check. This interconnectedness can lead to a more balanced and sustainable garden ecosystem.

Besides the environmental benefits, native Viburnums offer a wealth of aesthetic and functional uses in the landscape. From creating natural hedges and screens to adorning gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit, these plants are as versatile as they are beautiful. They come in various sizes and shapes, making it easy to find one that fits your specific landscaping needs.

However, it’s crucial to note that some Viburnum species have become invasive in parts of the U.S., outcompeting native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. These include Viburnum dilatatum (Linden Viburnum), Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush), and Viburnum lantana (Wayfaringtree), among others. These invasive species can spread aggressively, reducing biodiversity and degrading habitat quality.

Instead of these invasive species, consider planting U.S. natives like Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum), Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw Viburnum), or Viburnum acerifolium (Maple-leaf Viburnum). Another option is Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry), which is known for its adaptability to a range of soil and light conditions.

In summary, planting native Viburnum species is an excellent way to create a resilient, sustainable garden while also contributing to local ecosystems. They offer multiple benefits including drought resistance, low maintenance, and enhanced biodiversity. By opting for native species over invasive ones, you make an eco-friendly choice that rewards you with a vibrant, thriving garden.

Guide Information

Hardiness	2 - 10
Plant Type	Shrubs
Plant Family	Adoxaceae
Genus	Viburnum
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	2' - 30' (60cm - 9.1m)
Spread	2' - 12' (60cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Showy, Fragrant, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants	United States, Maine, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Northeast, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, South Dakota, Missouri, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Idaho, Washington, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance	Deer
Attracts	Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas	Wall-Side Borders, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Viburnum acerifolium (Mapleleaf Viburnum)

Mapleleaf Viburnum, or Viburnum acerifolium, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It’s characterized by dense branching and clusters of tiny white flowers that bloom from spring to late summer, attracting butterflies. These blooms give way to red berries, which turn blue-black and are a food source for birds. The shrub’s green, maple-like leaves transform into stunning shades of reddish-purple to magenta in the fall.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

Viburnum cassinoides (Witherod Viburnum)

Viburnum cassinoides is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, yet highly attractive shrub. With its stunning seasonal transformations—from fragrant flowers to vibrant foliage and berries—this native shrub is a versatile and beneficial addition to any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	5' - 10' (150cm - 3m)
Spread	5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)

Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum)

Viburnum dentatum, known as Arrowwood Viburnum, is a hardy, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub. It features creamy-white flower clusters from late spring to summer, attracting pollinators, and yields blue-black berries loved by birds. Its slender branches with dark green, coarse-edged leaves turn vibrant autumn colors. Native to Eastern North America, it’s perfect for wildlife habitats, landscaping, and as a decorative hedge or screen.

Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry)

Viburnum lentago, or Nannyberry, is a remarkable deciduous shrub or small tree known for its showy flowers, glossy foliage, and vibrant fall colors. Its creamy-white flower clusters in spring give way to pendulous clusters of bluish-black berries in fall, providing food for wildlife. The ovate, glossy dark green leaves turn attractive shades of yellow, red, and purple in autumn.

Hardiness	2 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum nudum (Withe Rod)

Prized for its stunning display of berries, Viburnum nudum (Withe Rod) is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with exceptionally glossy leaves that turn a deep wine-red in autumn. From early to mid-summer, it blooms with flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers that nourish bees and butterflies. These are followed by striking clusters of berries that transition from green to pink and blue, often simultaneously, creating a dynamic visual display even after leaf fall. Native to the eastern U.S., this shrub is perfect for group planting or border accents.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	5' - 12' (150cm - 3.7m)
Spread	5' - 12' (150cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum obovatum (Walter’s Viburnum)

Walter’s Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum) is a versatile shrub native to the U.S. Southeast, ranging from evergreen to deciduous. Its dark green, wedge-shaped leaves may persist through mild winters. In spring, it bursts into creamy white flower clusters, providing nectar for pollinators. These blooms give way to berries that shift from red to black, offering food and shelter for wildlife. Suited for damp areas, it can serve as a natural screen, clipped hedge, or even a small multi-trunked tree.

Hardiness	6 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 30' (180cm - 9.1m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum opulus var. americanum (American Cranberrybush)

Offering year-round appeal, Viburnum opulus var. americanum, or American Cranberrybush, is a hardy, rounded shrub with arching branches. Its spring bloom features intricate white flowers, rich in nectar and beloved by pollinators. By late summer, these blossoms yield vibrant red berries, which not only catch the eye but also feed birds and wildlife through early winter. The shrub’s dark green, maple-like leaves shift to a radiant red in the fall. A versatile and resilient plant, it’s both aesthetically pleasing and easy to care for.

Hardiness	2 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)
Spread	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw)

Viburnum prunifolium, or Blackhaw, is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree. Spring brings creamy-white flower clusters, drawing butterflies and pollinators. These flowers develop into pink-rose berries, ripening to blue-black in fall. Its plum-like leaves change to rich bronze and vibrant red, adding autumnal beauty. Blackhaw is not only visually appealing but also pest-resistant, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

Viburnum rufidulum (Southern Blackhaw)

Southern Blackhaw, or Viburnum rufidulum, is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree known for its all-season allure. In the spring, it features clusters of up to 150 creamy-white flowers that draw in butterflies and bees. By fall, these flowers turn into edible dark blue berries that are a favorite among birds and wildlife. Its lustrous, dark green leaves transform into vibrant hues of pink, red, and purple, and its stems showcase rusty brown hairs, earning its alternate name, Rusty Blackhaw.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Landscaping with Viburnum

Incorporating U.S. native Viburnum into your garden design can result in a multi-seasonal, wildlife-friendly, and relatively low-maintenance landscape. Here’s how to design your garden using native Viburnum:

Garden Styles:

Woodland Gardens: Viburnum works exceptionally well in replicating woodland settings.
Wildlife Gardens: Their berries attract birds, and the flowers are great for pollinators.
Formal Gardens: Some species can be pruned into hedges or topiaries.

Elements to Consider:

Focal Points: Larger Viburnum species can serve as focal points, particularly those with striking blooms or fall color. Species to consider include Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum) or Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw Viburnum).
Borders and Screens: The dense foliage of Viburnum species makes excellent natural borders or privacy screens.
Understory Planting: Use shorter varieties beneath tall trees or to fill in gaps in your shrub layer.
Mixed Planting: Viburnums can be integrated into beds with perennials and grasses for a mixed, layered look.
Containers: Some smaller Viburnum species can be grown in large pots as statement plants on patios or balconies.

Complementary Plants:

Grasses: Native grasses like switchgrass or bluestem contrast nicely.
Perennials: Native wildflowers such as echinacea and rudbeckia add vibrant color and attract pollinators.
Trees: Consider native trees like dogwoods or redbud for additional vertical interest.

Practical Tips:

Soil: Most Viburnum prefer well-drained soil but are relatively adaptable.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Viburnums are relatively drought-tolerant once established but prefer consistent moisture.

A Year-Round Showcase:

Plan your garden so that something is always in bloom or has color. Pair Viburnum that bloom in the spring with those that offer late summer berries or striking fall foliage.

By thoughtfully incorporating native Viburnum, you can create a garden that is not only beautiful and functional but also contributes positively to your local ecosystem.

Elisha Eseonu, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.