Viburnum
This reliably easy to grow species offers varieties large enough to screen out an undesirable view. Fragrant spring blooms and fall berries are a bonus. Also known as American or European Cranberrybush, there are a large number of cultivars with a variety of characteristics.
Viburnum Viburnum lentago ‘Nannyberry’ American Cranberrybush
Hardiness Zones: Zones 2a-8
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Sun
Water Requirements: Prefers regular moisture and is sensitive to drought conditions. Tolerates wet soils but adaptable to dry.
Mature Height: 15-20 feet
Mature Spread: 10-15 feet
Shape: Densely compact and upright
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil Preference: Prefers an average to moist soil and is not fussy of soil type or pH.
Foliage: Glossy green leaves emerge a yellow green in spring
Blooms: Flat clusters of creamy white 5 petal flowers in spring
Fruit: Large clusters of deep blue-black berries
Disease and Insects: Not generally affected by disease or pests
Pest Resistance: Not favored by deer. The bark and young stems of Viburnum are susceptible to rabbit and rodent damage in winter. Wrap the stems/trunk with a collar or hardware cloth available at garden centers to protect them.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in spring
Pruning: Prune only after blooming
Nannyberry viburnum is a versatile shrub to include in a rambling landscape to provide interest in every season. Nannyberry will form colonies by spreading roots and can be maintained in a nice dense hedge or screen. Typically found in moist woodland areas or near streams, but Nannyberry can tolerate drier sites quite well. Showy white flowers appear in May. Autumn color is a wonderful burgundy and the berries are yellow green and pinkish, maturing to a deep blue-black.
As a suckering plant Nannyberry is ideal for naturalized areas where it can easily reach 20 feet tall or more. The spring blooms attract pollinators and is a host plant for the larvae of beautiful Spring Azure butterflies. The edible berries also attract wildlife and make a lovely jam.
The Viburnum lentago species includes a few cultivars. Look for ‘Deep Green’, ‘Pink Beauty’ and ‘Show Girl’.
Viburnum Viburnum trilobum ‘Baily Compact’ American Cranberrybush
Hardiness Zones: Zones 2a-7
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirements: Prefers regular moisture and is sensitive to drought conditions. Tolerates wet soils.
Mature Height: 3-6 feet
Mature Spread: 3-5 feet
Shape: Rounded mound
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil Preference: Prefers an average to moist soil and is not fussy of soil type or pH.
Foliage: Deep green with red edges and tips in spring
Blooms: Flat clusters of white 5 petal flowers in spring
Fruit: Large clusters of bright red berries
Disease and Insects: Not generally affected by disease or pests
Pest Resistance: Not favored by deer. The bark and young stems of Viburnum are susceptible to rabbit and rodent damage in winter. Wrap the stems/trunk with a collar or hardware cloth available at garden centers to protect them.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in spring
Pruning: Prune only after blooming
‘Bailey’ is a dwarf version of the much larger American Cranberry Bush, found at the Bailey Nurseries in Minnesota. This naturally occurring dwarf is extremely cold hardy. Showy white flat clusters of white flowers adorn ‘Bailey Compact’ in May, followed by the bright red edible fruits in summer that persist into winter. The deep green foliage matures to a deep red orange in autumn.
This compact shrub is perfect for foundation plantings, smaller garden beds and the front of shrub borders. It holds a tidy shape and compact size without pruning. A very versatile native shrub with toothy lobed leaves adding texture all season.
Viburnum Viburnum trilobum ‘JN Select’ Redwing American Cranberrybush
Hardiness Zones: Zones 2a-7
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirements: Prefers regular moisture and is sensitive to drought conditions
Mature Height: 10 feet
Mature Spread: 6-10 feet
Shape: Upright and spreading
Growth Rate: Moderately fast
Soil Preference: Prefers an average to moist soil and is not fussy of soil type or pH.
Foliage: Deep green with red tips in spring
Blooms: Flat clusters of white 5 petal flowers in spring
Fruit: Large clusters of bright red berries
Disease and Insects: Not generally affected by disease or pests
Pest Resistance: Not favored by deer. The bark and young stems of Viburnum are susceptible to rabbit and rodent damage in winter. Wrap the stems/trunk with a collar or hardware cloth available at garden centers to protect them.
Fertilize: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in spring
Pruning: Prune only after blooming
Redwing Viburnum puts on a show in every season. The leaves open first in brick red, maturing to green with red tips and eventually all green. Lacecap clusters of white 5 petaled flowers emerges from each branch top. By late summer stunning clusters of scarlet red berries appear and persist into late winter. By fall the foliage turns crimson. A nearby Viburnum of another variety will help Redwing to set heavier fruit, but is self pollinating.
This Viburnum grows faster and denser than most Viburnum varieties. Redwing is easy to maintain requiring very little for maintenance. Prune after spring blooms only if some shaping or to maintain size is desired. A great choice for inner city areas as it is very tolerant of urban pollution. Redwing Viburnum makes an excellent privacy hedge and can be expected to live 40 or more years. Redwing is a true V. trilobum, not a hybrid.