Viburnum cassinoides (Witherod Viburnum)

Viburnum cassinoides, commonly known as the Witherod Viburnum, is a versatile and attractive deciduous shrub that offers multi-seasonal interest. With fragrant flowers, colorful fruits, and vibrant foliage, this plant is a garden staple.

Viburnum cassinoides: An In-depth Look

Native: The plant is native to North America, specifically the eastern regions and the Great Lakes area, often found in wetlands and forests.

Plant Type and Habit: This is a deciduous shrub with a rounded and bushy habit. It can serve both as a focal point or a background plant in your garden.

Size: The Witherod Viburnum can grow up to 5-10 feet (150-300 cm) tall and 5-8 feet (150-240 cm) wide, depending on growing conditions and care.

Flowers: The flowers are creamy-white and fragrant, forming in flat-topped clusters. They offer both visual appeal and a delightful scent. They bloom from late spring into early summer, providing a beautiful and fragrant show.

Fruits: Post-flowering, the plant produces small green berries that transition through a spectrum of colors—green, pink, and finally to blue-black as they mature. The berries offer a striking contrast to the foliage and continue to adorn the plant even after the foliage has fallen, adding a visual appeal through the winter months.

Foliage: The leaves are elliptical and finely toothed, transitioning from a dark green in the summer to a stunning orange-red to red-purple in the autumn.

Hardiness: It is winter-hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it versatile in various climatic conditions.

Uses: Because of its size and multi-seasonal interest, it is commonly used as a specimen plant, in hedges, or as part of naturalized or woodland gardens.

Wildlife: The berries attract various species of birds, while the flowers are pollinated by native bees and butterflies.

Deer and Rabbits: The shrub has moderate deer resistance, which means it may escape browsing in areas with low deer pressure. Rabbits generally avoid it.

Toxicity: Although not toxic to humans or pets, consumption of the berries in large amounts can cause mild gastrointestinal issues.

Invasiveness: The plant is not considered invasive in its native range and is even encouraged for its ecological benefits.

Benefits: Beyond aesthetic appeal, the plant offers habitat and food for local wildlife, serves as a native alternative to more invasive species, and requires relatively low maintenance.

How to Grow and Care for Witherod Viburnum

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flower production.

Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers loams but is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It tolerates boggy and wet soils but struggles in hot, dry conditions.

Water: Requires moist conditions, with watering more frequent in extreme heat and during establishment.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth and flowering.

Pruning: Best to prune just after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.

Propagation: Can be propagated by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Pests and Diseases: No serious insect or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, scale insects, thrips, or viburnum beetle. Occasional disease problems include leaf spot and powdery mildew. Apply appropriate treatments as needed.

These guidelines will help you successfully grow and maintain your Viburnum cassinoides, allowing it to thrive and contribute its many benefits to your garden.