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.
Not sure which Viburnum to pick?
Compare All Viburnum
Buy Viburnum lentago (Nannyberry)
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 |
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 |