shrubN. America Native

Blackhaw Viburnum

Name: Blackhaw Viburnum
Brand: Viburnum
Availability: InStock

Viburnum prunifolium

$89.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

162 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived, 50+ years

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Fruit is edible for humans

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum prunifolium is a large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It has a rounded, somewhat irregular habit with stiff, spreading branches, and is valued for its four-season interest. This species is exceptionally tough and adaptable, thriving in a wide range of conditions. It offers creamy-white spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, edible blue-black fruit, and spectacular reddish-purple fall color, making it a superb all-around native plant.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A true four-season plant, offering large clusters of white flowers in spring, clean foliage in summer, brilliant purple-red fall color, and an interesting branching structure with dark, blocky bark in winter.

Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedges, or windbreaks. The fruit is edible and can be used to make jams and jellies, though it is often seedy.

A high-value wildlife plant. The flowers are a source of nectar for many native bees and butterflies. The fruit is eagerly eaten by over 40 species of birds, including cedar waxwings and cardinals, as well as mammals. It also provides good nesting cover.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$89.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to part shade.
It is highly adaptable to different soil types, but prefers good drainage.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth it was growing.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

For best flowering, fruit production, and fall color, plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune after flowering to avoid removing the current season's flower buds.
Allow it to develop a natural, multi-stemmed habit.
Plant more than one for best fruit set, though it is self-fertile.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or constantly wet soils.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which is generally unnecessary.
Don't prune in late summer, fall, or winter, as you'll cut off flower buds.
Do not remove the suckers if you want a dense, thicket-like screen.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent native specimen or understory treeEffective component of a tall hedge or screenAnchor plant for a wildlife or bird garden

Companion Plants

Amelanchier arborea Cercis canadensis Cornus florida Lindera benzoin Panicum virgatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blackhaw Viburnum questions

What zones can Blackhaw Viburnum grow in?

Blackhaw Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Blackhaw Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Blackhaw Viburnum bloom?

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

Does Blackhaw Viburnum need full sun?

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

Is Blackhaw Viburnum drought tolerant?

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