Growing Dwarf Viburnums - Learn About Small Viburnum Shrubs

Is there a dwarf viburnum?

Dwarf European cranberrybush viburnum is Viburnum opulus 'Nanum. ' This shrub grows 18 to 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide. It has the same eye-catching leaves as the full size version, but this dwarf viburnum doesn't bloom or produce fruit. It's a good choice for a small viburnum hedge, like along a walkway or drive.

What is the smallest viburnum?

Like a typical opulus but with smaller leaves, it is said to be 2 feet by 2 feet! He notes that Viburnum trilobum, 'Jewell Box' (above) and Viburnum opulus 'Bullatum' are the smallest growing viburnums of which he is aware. With all these many choices there is no reason not to explore this beautiful and enduring genus.

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.

How big does a viburnum bush get?

Viburnum can grow to be 20 feet tall!

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.

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.

Why does my viburnum smell?

Holes in the leaves of viburnums caused by the larvae and adults of viburnum beetle. Plants can be completely stripped of foliage and can emit a foul smell, which is thought to be caused by the excrement of the larvae.

Can viburnum be cut back hard?

Viburnums generally require very little pruning, but hard pruning may be necessary if the growing area is too small for the species or if the plant is old and lackluster.

Which is the best viburnum?

We've picked eight of our favourite viburnums to grow, below.

Viburnum davidii.
Viburnum opulus.
Viburnum x bodnantense.
Viburnum fordiae.
Viburnum macrocephalum.
Viburnum tinus.
Viburnum plicatum.
Viburnum sargentii.

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 viburnum be pruned?

If you're pruning viburnums to restrain or shape their growth, the timing for when to prune viburnum is right after flowering. Viburnums typically form their flower buds for the following year during the summer after flowering. If you wait to prune viburnums in fall or early spring, you risk cutting off flower buds.

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".

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 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.

Does viburnum grow fast?

Although growth rates vary by species, viburnums in general grow moderately to rapidly.

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.

Are viburnum berries poisonous?

The fruit of some species (e.g. V. lentago) are edible and can be eaten either raw or for making jam, while other species (e.g. V. opulus) are mildly toxic and can cause vomiting if eaten in quantity. The bark of some species is used in herbal medicine, as an antispasmodic and to treat asthma.

What does viburnum mean?

: any of a genus (Viburnum) of widely distributed shrubs or small trees of the honeysuckle family with simple leaves and white or sometimes pink cymose flowers.

Is there a shrub that blooms all summer?

Modern shrub roses offer beautiful blooms all summer and autumn on disease-resistant, easy-growing plants. Flower color differs by variety, but you'll most commonly see shrub roses in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow.

Will deer eat viburnum?

You get a 3-for-1 deal with arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum). This deer-resistant shrub bears reddish fall foliage and bluish berries in addition to white flowers in the spring. ... This shrub also will spread, so remove its suckers if you want to keep it contained in one area.

Which is the most fragrant viburnum?

Viburnum x burkwoodii has to be one the most fragrant of all the viburnums. The white, pompom-like flowers usually appear in early spring and last for weeks, followed by red fruits.