shrubN. America Native

Mapleleaf Viburnum

Viburnum acerifolium

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Dry to medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruits are edible for wildlife but not recommended for human consumption.

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum acerifolium is a native deciduous shrub known for its distinctive maple-like leaves and its exceptional tolerance for dry shade. It forms colonies via root suckers, creating a naturalistic thicket over time. The species' standout feature is its multi-season interest, with creamy-white spring flowers, dark blue-black autumn fruit, and stunning fall foliage colors ranging from creamy pink to vibrant magenta and deep purple.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Mapleleaf Viburnum is a champion of the shade garden, offering delicate spring flowers, handsome foliage throughout summer, and a spectacular fall display of pink, red, and purple leaves. The persistent dark blue fruit adds winter interest.

Its colonizing nature makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing shady slopes and banks. It can be used as an informal hedge or screen in woodland areas and requires very little maintenance once established, being quite drought tolerant.

This native shrub is a powerhouse for wildlife. Its flowers provide nectar for native bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a crucial food source for many bird species, including cedar waxwings and grouse, as well as small mammals.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in partial to full shade with acidic soil.
Amend soil with compost to improve organic content.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Gently tease apart circling roots before placing in the hole.
Backfill with soil and water deeply to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch with shredded leaves or pine straw to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant in groups to ensure cross-pollination for the best fruit set, which is a key ornamental and ecological feature.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow it to naturalize and form a colony for a woodland effect.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
Appreciate its tolerance for dry shade once established.
Plant other native woodland species nearby for a cohesive look.

Don't

Do not plant in full sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Avoid planting in heavy, wet clay soils.
Don't fertilize heavily; a top dressing of compost is sufficient.
Refrain from pruning after early summer to avoid removing next year's flower buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Superb understory shrub for woodland gardensNaturalizing in dry, shady areasMass planting for erosion control on slopes

Companion Plants

Polystichum acrostichoides Tiarella cordifolia Amelanchier canadensis Kalmia latifolia Heuchera villosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mapleleaf Viburnum questions

What zones can Mapleleaf Viburnum grow in?

Mapleleaf 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 Mapleleaf Viburnum deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Mapleleaf Viburnum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Mapleleaf Viburnum bloom?

Mapleleaf 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 Mapleleaf Viburnum need full sun?

Mapleleaf Viburnum does best in part shade.

Is Mapleleaf Viburnum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mapleleaf Viburnum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.