Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum
Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
96 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium to wet
Humidity
High
Lifespan
25-40 years
Native To
Eastern North America (species)
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities
The Story
Plant Bio
Viburnum nudum, also known as possumhaw or smooth witherod, is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to the eastern U.S., valued for its multi-season interest including flowers, fruit, and fall color. 'Winterthur' is a compact, upright cultivar noted for its exceptionally glossy green leaves that turn a stunning maroon to wine-red in fall. It produces a spectacular display of fruit that transforms from green to pink to blue.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with full sun to part shade and moist, acidic soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
- Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
- Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
- Mulch with 2-3 inches of organic matter to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
Plant another V. nudum cultivar nearby, like 'Brandywine', for cross-pollination to ensure a heavy fruit set.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture; this plant does not like to dry out.
- Plant in acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) for best growth and fall color.
- Prune right after flowering to shape the plant or remove dead wood.
- Plant a different V. nudum cultivar nearby for cross-pollination and better fruiting.
Don't
- Don't plant in dry or alkaline soils.
- Avoid pruning late in the season, as it will remove the flower buds for the following year.
- Don't plant just one if you want a reliable, heavy berry display.
- Don't let it get stressed by drought, as this makes it more susceptible to pests.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum questions
What zones can Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum grow in?
Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum deer resistant?
Yes — Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum bloom?
Winterthur Possumhaw 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 Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum need full sun?
Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Viburnum to compare
Nannyberry
Viburnum lentago
Snowball Viburnum
Viburnum opulus 'Sterile'
Autumn Jazz Arrowwood
Viburnum dentatum 'Autumn Jazz'
Korean spice viburnum
Viburnum carlesii
Mariesii Japanese Snowball
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii'
Blue Muffin Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum 'Christom'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Winterthur Possumhaw Viburnum with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
