6 named cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Arrowwood Viburnum

$81.42

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum dentatum, arrowwood viburnum, is a rounded multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, reaching five to ten feet with a similar spread. Flat creamy-white flower clusters open in late spring above glossy, coarsely toothed leaves, and blue-black drupes follow in late summer. Autumn colour ranges from yellow through wine-red.

It is among the most adaptable native shrubs, taking sun or shade, wet or dry, and heavy clay without complaint. Straight young stems gave it its common name — they were used for arrow shafts — and the same habit makes it easy to renew by cutting the oldest canes out at the base.

Uses & Benefits:

Creamy flower clusters, blue-black fruit and reliable wine-red autumn colour.

Tolerates sun, shade, wet, dry and clay — one of the most forgiving native shrubs.

Host for spring azure butterfly larvae; fruit feeds songbirds, grouse and turkeys.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

90 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$81.42

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$89.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring or autumn in almost any soil.
Choose full sun to partial shade.
Allow six to ten feet of width.
Water through the first season.
Plant more than one for reliable fruit set.
Renew by removing the oldest stems in late winter.

Pro Tip

Plant at least two different clones — arrowwood fruits poorly when pollinated by itself, and the berries are the main reason to grow it.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant two or more for cross-pollination 🫐
Renew old canes in late winter ✂️
Use it in wet or dry sites alike 💧
Let it form a broad multi-stemmed shrub 🌿

Don't

Rely on a single plant for fruit ❌
Shear it into a formal ball ❌
Worry about soil type; it is unfussy ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Informal hedge or screenWildlife and bird plantingRain garden and damp shrub border

Companion Plants

Winterberry Red Twig Dogwood Sweetspire Inkberry Black Chokeberry

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Arrowwood Viburnum questions

What zones can Arrowwood Viburnum grow in?

Arrowwood 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 Arrowwood Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Arrowwood Viburnum bloom?

Arrowwood 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 Arrowwood Viburnum need full sun?

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

Is Arrowwood Viburnum drought tolerant?

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