Cold Hardy Viburnums - Growing Viburnum Shrubs In Zone 4

Viburnum shrubs are showy plants with deep green foliage and often, frothy blossoms. They include evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous plants that grow in many different climates. Gardeners living in zone 4 will want to choose cold hardy viburnums. Temperatures in zone 4 can dip pretty far below zero in winter.

What is the fastest growing viburnum?

Prague Viburnum for Rapid Growth

Horticulturists suggest the Prague viburnum (Viburnum x pragense) when particularly fast growth is desired. The hardy hybrid, developed at the Prague Municipal Gardens in 1955, quickly grows to 10 feet or more.

Does viburnum like sun or shade?

Most prefer sun, but some do well in partial shade. Their hardiness is well suited to the cold winters of USDA hardiness zone 7. They are adaptable to a range of soil types and moisture conditions. Most viburnums offer attractive foliage, with a variety of leaf size, texture, and color.

Does viburnum lose leaves in winter?

As for viburnum, there are more than 150 varieties. Some are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves during winter, while others are evergreen and retain their leaves year-round. All viburnums should be planted in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with lots of organic matter.

Are any viburnum Evergreen?

There are more than 150 species of viburnums, but only some are evergreen. Either shrubs or small trees, these plants typically bear bewitching, creamy-white flowers that attract butterflies in spring, and some offer appealing fall color.

Is Viburnum poisonous to dogs?

The ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List – Dogs under "Plants Non-Toxic to Dogs" lists blackhaw or sweet viburnum (Viburnum lentago) as being safe, no viburnum species are listed under "Plants Toxic to Dogs".

What looks good with viburnum?

Choose companion plants with contrasting foliage, such as evergreen ferns. (Or, for a winter garden, pair with other early bloomers like crocuses and pansies.) Because viburnum doesn't self-pollinate regularly, plant several viburnum shrubs near each other.

What is the best fertilizer for viburnum?

Blood meal is a smart choice to apply in late winter or spring, as it breaks down rapidly to sweeten the soil for flowering. Later, alfalfa meal, compost, rotted manures and fish emulsion are all safe choices for fertilizing viburnums.

When should you plant viburnum?

Plant in spring or fall. Viburnums aren't picky about soil, but they generally do best in dirt that's rich and well-drained. If your soil is poor, add organic material like compost when you plant the tree. Viburnum generally make the most blooms and berries in full sun, but some varieties can tolerate light shade.

Does viburnum bloom all summer?

The Doublefile Viburnum, V. plicatum, is the showiest of the clan, lining its long, spreading branches with pure white blooms in June. 'Summer Snowflake' puts on the same display but doesn't know when to quit. It blooms continuously all summer and into fall, a feat few hardy shrubs can match.

How do you winterize viburnum?

Plant viburnum in full sun to partial shade and in moist, well-drained soil. Stop watering and fertilizing in fall and place a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and keep the soil temperature even. If you live in a cooler region, lightly wrap the bush in burlap.

Can viburnum take full sun?

Viburnums that excel from season to season

Semi-evergreen means that the shrub holds some or all of its leaves in a mild winter. Unless noted, viburnums grow well in moist, well-drained soil in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade.

What shrubs do not lose leaves in winter?

Evergreen Shrubs Bring Non-Stop Color

Variegated Winter Daphne. Fill late winter and early spring with the sweet fragrance of daphne. ...
Bird's Nest Spruce. ...
October Magic Ruby Camellia. ...
English Lavender. ...
Sprinter Boxwood. ...
Kramer's Red Winter Heath. ...
Mountain Laurel. ...
Romeo Cleyera.

What is the best smelling viburnum?

Korean spice viburnum is likely the best known of the fragrant viburnums. Other beautifully scented bloomers include Viburnum bodnantense and Viburnum odoratissimum.

Does Viburnum make a good hedge?

Viburnum, vigorous and hardy, should be on every list of the top shrubs for hedges. All viburnum shrubs are easy care, and some have fragrant spring flowers. Creating a viburnum hedge isn't very difficult.

Can you keep viburnum small?

Viburnums can be cut back hard in late winter or early spring to keep compact. When pruning any shrub, though, the general rule of thumb is not to remove more than 1/3 of its growth.

What plants can kill dogs?

The 10 Most Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs

Sago Palm. iStock.com/ivstiv. ...
Tulips. iStock.com/lesichkadesign. ...
Lily of the Valley. iStock.com/oluolu3. ...
Oleander. ...
Philodendrons. ...
Rhododendron (also known as Azaleas) ...
Dieffenbachia (also known as Dumb cane) ...
8. Japanese Yews (also known as Buddhist pine or Southern yew)

Is Lavender toxic to dogs?

Lavender, the plant, does contain a small amount of a compound called linalool, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. The linalool is found in such small concentrations, however, that this is rarely an issue. Problems arise only if a dog ingests a very large quantity of lavender.

What shrubs are safe for dogs?

Shrubs

Bottlebrush.
Dogwood Shrubs.
Forsythia.
Lilac.
Mahonia.
Mock Orange.
Rosemary.
Roses.

Where should I plant my viburnum?

Viburnum tinus

It can be grown as a hedge, but also makes a lovely green backdrop for other plants. Grow in full sun or partial shade, in a moist, well-drained soil.

How do you maintain viburnum?

When it comes to viburnum care, water shrubs during dry periods. It will also help to add mulch to retain moisture. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer to viburnums as well but this isn't required. In addition, pruning the shrub should be included with viburnum care.

How do you shape viburnum?

To shape a viburnum, prune it lightly immediately after flowering. Remove the flower heads and cut back any branches that spoil the shape of the shrub to a pair of newly-sprouted leaves. Remember that removing the flower heads will preclude the formation of fruit, which can be very attractive in many viburnums.