Bracted Viburnum
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

An upright-spreading habit, suckering, becoming more rounded with age. Very similar to Viburnum dentatum and V. rafinesquianum. Grows to 10' tall and wide in most landscapes, rarely to 15' tall. Plant becomes more open in the shade. Moderate growth rate. Relatively short-lived, 20-50 years.

Native Range

U.S. Native — Native to the southeastern United States.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are creamy white, malodorous, in May (into June), presented in 2-5" wide, flat-topped cymes, with noticeable bracts just below each flower cluster. An abundance of flowers are produced. Plants are self-fruitful, not requiring another plant for cross-pollination. The purple-blue-black fruits are drupes, produced in profusion, and are enjoyed by songbirds in the fall (ripening Sept/Oct).

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Thicker, glossier leaves than Arrowwood Viburnum, which is very similar. Leaves are 2-5" long and 1.5-3" wide, somewhat rounded, with 5-6 vein pairs, with coarse, dentate teeth around the margin. Undersides pubescent, with impressed veins. Petiole: 1/2". Fall color is yellow to bronze.

Culture and Care

Prefers well-drained soil, but tolerates clay, sun, shade, heat and drought. Zones 6-8. Also does well near water. Quite tolerant of various soil types and moisture conditions. Prefers slightly acid soils. Viburnum beetles may be a problem in the north. Otherwise, very few problems.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Scorch-resistant in full sun of the South. Good wildlife value. 3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall. Difficult to identify. An octaploid, with 72 chromosomes, of Viburnum dentatum.

Suggested Uses

Use as a screen, for a shrub border, or in naturalizing and wildlife plantings.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA