shrubN. America Native

Chicago Lustre Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum 'Synnestvedt'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived, 50+ years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Berries are edible for wildlife, but not recommended for humans

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum dentatum, or Arrowwood Viburnum, is a tough, adaptable, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It is known for its creamy-white flowers, blue-black fruit, and reliable fall color. 'Synnestvedt', sold as Chicago Lustre®, is a popular cultivar selected for its exceptionally glossy, dark green, corrugated leaves that remain attractive all summer. It has an upright, rounded habit and is a reliable producer of flowers and fruit.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its handsome, lustrous foliage that looks good all season. The clusters of white flowers in spring give way to ornamental blue-black berries in fall, which contrast nicely with the variable but often colorful autumn leaves.

This is a workhorse shrub for difficult sites. Its tolerance of clay soil and its dense, suckering habit make it an ideal choice for creating hedges, privacy screens, and windbreaks with a naturalistic look.

An outstanding native plant for supporting wildlife. The flowers attract a wide array of native bees and other pollinators. The berries are a favorite food source for many birds, including cardinals, bluebirds, and cedar waxwings. It is also a larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun to part shade.
This shrub is very adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant at least two different V. dentatum cultivars, like 'Chicago Lustre' and 'Blue Muffin', near each other for reliable cross-pollination and heavy fruit set.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture for best growth, though it tolerates some dryness.
Plant in groups for a dense screen and better pollination.
Prune out the oldest stems to the ground every few years to rejuvenate.
Monitor for viburnum leaf beetle, especially in the Northeast.

Don't

Do not prune in late summer or fall, or you will remove next year's flowers.
Avoid planting in very dry, shady locations.
Don't plant just one if you want a heavy crop of berries for birds.
Do not let suckers get out of control if you want to maintain a tidy shape.

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

Tough, reliable hedge or screening plantExcellent choice for naturalizing and woodland edgesKey shrub for a native plant or wildlife garden

Companion Plants

Hydrangea arborescens Itea virginica Clethra alnifolia Panicum virgatum Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chicago Lustre Arrowwood Viburnum questions

What zones can Chicago Lustre Arrowwood Viburnum grow in?

Chicago Lustre 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 Chicago Lustre Arrowwood Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Chicago Lustre Arrowwood Viburnum bloom?

Chicago Lustre 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 Chicago Lustre Arrowwood Viburnum need full sun?

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