Growth Rate
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- Growth Rate: Moderate; typically grows 12 to 24 inches per year under ideal conditions.
- Final Size: 4 to 6 feet tall and wide.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
Bloom Color
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Ornamental Berries
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
Deer Resistant
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Yes |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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Attracts: - Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the fragrant flowers, making it a vital addition to pollinator gardens.
- Birds: The berries produced in late summer provide a food source for various bird species.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Growth Season: Spring to Fall
- Winter Interest: Foliage turns a warm color in fall, and the plant maintains its structure throughout winter.
- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer (usually May to June).
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Ideal For
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- Foundation Plantings – Compact, rounded form is perfect near homes and buildings
- Low Hedges or Borders – Works well for informal hedging with seasonal interest
- Accent Plant or Specimen Shrub – Glossy foliage and attractive blooms make it a standout
- Mixed Shrub Borders – Blends well with evergreens and flowering shrubs
- Woodland or Part-Shade Gardens – Tolerates dappled light and offers year-round structure
- Pollinator Gardens – Spring flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects
- Containers – Suitable for large pots on patios or in courtyard gardens
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Leaf Description
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The leaves are dark green, glossy, and ovate, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. In fall, they can exhibit beautiful shades of red and orange. |
Flower Description
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Unique lacecap flowers with a central cluster of small white blossoms surrounded by larger, showy florets, creating a stunning visual display. |
Planting Instructions
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- How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the center, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Best Time to Plant: Spring or early fall for optimal establishment.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- When to Prune: Late winter to early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Tips: Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant to maintain its desired form.
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Water Needs
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- Water Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
- Frequency: Water regularly, particularly in dry conditions.
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Light Needs
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Prefers full sun to partial shade; ideally, 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for best flowering. |
Harvesting
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The berries can be harvested in late summer, but are often left for wildlife. |
Fertilizing
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- When to Fertilize: Early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Frequency: Once a year is generally sufficient.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to pests; occasional monitoring for aphids or scale is recommended.
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Pollination
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Primarily insect-pollinated, attracting various pollinators. |
Companion Plants
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🌸 Flowering Companions- Pieris japonica ‘Prelude’ or ‘Little Heath’ – Complementary early bloomers with similar size
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons – Provide contrasting bloom colors and also prefer acidic soil
- Camellia sasanqua – Fall-winter blooms contrast well with Viburnum’s spring flowers
- Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’ – Bright foliage and later-season blooms provide color layering
🌾 Foliage & Form Companions- Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ or ‘Caramel’ – Adds ground-level contrast and seasonal color
- Carex ‘Evergold’ or ‘Feather Falls’ – Light, arching texture plays off Viburnum’s dense form
- Ilex crenata (Dwarf Japanese Holly) – Neatly mounded evergreens for structure and texture
- Ferns (like Dryopteris or Athyrium) – Great for shaded combinations in woodland gardens
🌼 Pollinator-Friendly Companions- Salvia nemorosa – Summer blooms that extend pollinator interest
- Lavandula angustifolia – Aromatic and drought-tolerant near sunnier borders
- Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower) – Adds upright form and attracts bees and butterflies after Viburnum finishes blooming
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