1.4k saves
Viburnum
We track 62 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Viburnum varieties
See all 62 Viburnum varieties →Search this genus →
11 species of Viburnum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Viburnum in Sow
Save the Viburnum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Viburnum
Whats common across all Viburnum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Viburnum year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove crossing branches.
- FertilizeMarch63% of varieties
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.
- Check for PestsApril–June57% of varieties
Monitor for viburnum leaf beetle activity.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October50% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall to allow roots to establish in cooler weather.
- MulchApril45% of varieties
Apply a layer of acidic mulch like pine straw or shredded bark.
Do
- Prune right after flowering to avoid removing next year's flower buds.
- Plant in groups for best fruit production.
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture
- Provide consistent moisture, especially in dry periods.
Avoid
- Don't let the soil dry out completely.
- Avoid heavy pruning late in the season.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overhead watering to help prevent fungal diseases.
What goes wrong with Viburnum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Viburnum Leaf Beetle | Skeletonized leaves, defoliation. | Apply horticultural oil to egg sites in winter; use spinosad on larvae in spring; systemic insecticides for severe cases. |
| Aphids | Much more resistant than V. opulus, but minor infestations can occur on new growth. | Usually controlled by natural predators. A strong spray of water can dislodge them if necessary. |
| Viburnum beetle | Chewed leaves and skeletonized foliage | Handpick beetles or apply organic insecticidal soap |
| Viburnum leaf beetle | Skeletonized leaves | Use organic insecticides or handpick beetles |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery fungus on leaves, especially in late summer. | Provide good air circulation. Plant in a sunny spot. Generally not a serious threat to the plant's health. |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves, can cause premature leaf drop. | Ensure good air circulation; remove and destroy infected leaves; apply appropriate fungicides if necessary. |
| Bacterial Leaf Spot | Can occur in wet conditions, causing dark spots on leaves. | Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Generally not a serious problem. |
Making more Viburnum
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in early summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a well-drained rooting medium.
- Keep moist and humid; rooting occurs in about 8 weeks.
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks.
Viburnum questions
How many types of Viburnum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 62 distinct Viburnum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.4k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Viburnum grow in?
Across its varieties, Viburnum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Viburnum bloom?
Most Viburnum varieties bloom in mid-spring, late spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Viburnum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.