Alphabetical Plant Listing

Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry)

Nannyberry, Sheepberry, Sweet Viburnum


Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry) is a large, suckering, deciduous shrub or single- or multi-stemmed small tree noted for its eye-catching flower clusters, shiny foliage, fall color, and fruit display. In spring, masses of flat-topped creamy-white flower clusters, 4.5 in. wide (11 cm), emerge from large vase-shaped buds and are elegantly held above the foliage. Non-fragrant, they are loved by butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The blooms give way to pendulous clusters of bluish-black berries with bright red stalks in fall. Showy when viewed up-close or from a short distance, they often persist into winter and are quite attractive to birds and wildlife. Tasty, the fruits can be eaten fresh from the shrub or used to make jams and preserves. The handsome foliage of ovate, finely toothed, glossy dark green leaves turns attractive shades of yellow, red, and purple in fall. A very rewarding shrub that is not only good-looking but also durable and pest free.

  • Grows at a moderate rate, with an upright habit but becomes more open at maturity with its slender, arching branches. Up to 10-20 ft. tall (300-600 cm) and 6-12 ft. wide (180-360 cm). May be grown as a small tree up to 30 ft. high (9 m). Remove root suckers to control their spread unless naturalization is desired.
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Adaptable to a wide range of soil textures, moisture levels, and soil pH. Nannyberry has proven itself to be tolerant of heat, and drought, and performs well in the urban landscape. Some drought tolerance.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, striking hedges and screens, and foundation plantings. Great for naturalizing.
  • Attractive to birds and butterflies.
  • Low maintenance, this plant has no serious insect or disease problems. Sometimes develops mildew in shady areas.
  • Prune as required immediately after flowering (flower buds form in summer for the following year). 
  • Native to eastern North America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Climate Zones 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10' – 20' (3m – 6m)
Spread 6' – 12' (180cm – 3.6m)
Spacing 72" – 144" (180cm – 360cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

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Guides with Viburnum


Botanik Foto, ca2hill / 123RF Stock Photo

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Climate Zones 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10' – 20' (3m – 6m)
Spread 6' – 12' (180cm – 3.6m)
Spacing 72" – 144" (180cm – 360cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Southeast, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Guides with Viburnum

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