2 named cultivars

shrub

Viburnum

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum dilatatum, linden viburnum, is an upright rounded deciduous shrub from Asia, eight to fifteen feet tall and six to eight across. Densely hairy brown stems carry prominent orange lenticels, flat clusters of small creamy-white flowers open in late spring, and large showy clusters of bright red berries follow and often persist into winter.

The fruit is the reason to grow it, and it needs a second, genetically different linden viburnum flowering nearby to set — a single plant flowers well and berries poorly. Note that it self-seeds into woodland in parts of the Northeast and is listed as invasive in several states, so check locally and consider a native viburnum where it is a problem.

Uses & Benefits:

Very heavy clusters of bright red fruit in autumn, often holding into winter.

Drought and deer tolerant once established, and dense enough for an informal screen.

Songbirds strip the fruit in winter and butterflies work the flowers — though it seeds into woodland in some regions.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Berries are not edible raw

Planting

How to Grow

Check local invasive listings before planting.
Plant a second, different cultivar for cross-pollination.
Give it full sun to partial shade and drained soil.
Allow six to eight feet of width.
Water deeply through the first two summers.
Prune lightly after flowering if needed.

Pro Tip

Two different cultivars is the difference between a shrub that flowers and one that fruits — a lone plant sets almost nothing.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant two different cultivars 🌿
Check your state's invasive list ⚠️
Prune only after flowering ✂️
Leave the berries for birds 🐦

Don't

Expect fruit from a single plant ❌
Plant it where it is listed invasive ❌
Prune it in late winter ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Inspect
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Autumn and winter berry displayInformal screen or mixed borderBird and wildlife planting

Companion Plants

Oakleaf Hydrangea Winterberry MahoniaHellebore Autumn Fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Viburnum questions

What zones can Viburnum grow in?

Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Viburnum deer resistant?

Yes — Viburnum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Viburnum bloom?

Viburnum typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Viburnum need full sun?

Viburnum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.