shrubN. America Native

Witherod Viburnum

Viburnum cassinoides

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruits are edible for humans after cooking, but bitter raw.

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum cassinoides is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It is highly prized for its four-season interest, including flowers, fruit, and fall color. The most outstanding feature is its fruit display; berries transition from green to pink to red to blue and finally black, with multiple colors often present on the same cluster, creating a multi-colored, jewel-like effect.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Witherod Viburnum is a premier landscape shrub offering year-round beauty. It boasts creamy-white spring flowers, stunning multi-colored summer and fall fruit, and a brilliant fall foliage display of orange, red, and purple.

It is an excellent choice for creating informal screens or hedges that blend into a natural landscape. Its tolerance for moist soil makes it suitable for planting near ponds, streams, or in low-lying areas of the garden.

The flowers support native pollinators. The fruit is a crucial food source for many bird species, including cedar waxwings and bluebirds, as well as other wildlife. The dense branching provides cover and nesting sites.

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun to part shade and moist, acidic soil.
Amend soil with compost or peat moss to increase acidity and organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Plant multiple shrubs 6-8 feet apart for cross-pollination.
Set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water deeply after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant at least two different cultivars or seed-grown plants near each other to ensure good cross-pollination, which is essential for a heavy fruit set.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide acidic soil conditions for best performance.
Ensure consistent moisture, especially in the first few years.
Plant in groups for best fruit production.
Appreciate its natural, arching form with minimal pruning.

Don't

Don't plant in dry, alkaline soils.
Don't plant just one if you want a spectacular berry display.
Avoid heavy pruning, which can remove flower buds and ruin its form.
Don't let it dry out during the summer when fruit is developing.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning multi-season shrub borderWildlife-attracting naturalized plantingInformal hedge or screen

Companion Plants

Ilex verticillata Clethra alnifolia Fothergilla gardenii Amelanchier canadensis Vaccinium corymbosum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Witherod Viburnum questions

What zones can Witherod Viburnum grow in?

Witherod Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Witherod Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Witherod Viburnum bloom?

Witherod 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 Witherod Viburnum need full sun?

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