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Viburnum dilatatum

linden viburnum

Viburnaceae Eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, China)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (strong)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Viburnum dilatatum is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub in the family Viburnaceae, reaching 8-10 feet (2.4-3 m) tall and 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) wide with an upright, rounded form. Leaves are opposite, broadly ovate to nearly round, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, with toothed margins, prominent veins, and a coarse, hairy surface. Flat-topped flower clusters (cymes) 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) across open creamy white in late spring, each cluster made of many small five-lobed flowers. The flowers carry a heavy scent that some people find unpleasant at close range. By late summer the clusters ripen into bright red, egg-shaped drupes about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long that persist into winter and are eaten by birds. Fall foliage turns russet-red to bronze. The shrub grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates a range of soils. In parts of the eastern United States it self-sows from bird-dispersed seed and is treated as invasive, escaping into woodlands and forest edges. One limitation is this seeding behavior, which has led to its restriction or removal in several states.

Native Range

Viburnum dilatatum is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and central and eastern China, where it grows in woodland margins and thickets in hilly country. It has naturalized in parts of the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.

Suggested Uses

Viburnum dilatatum is used as a fruiting specimen, in shrub borders, and in informal hedges and screens. Its red fall fruit and foliage extend interest into autumn. In regions where it naturalizes, planting is restricted, and lower-seeding cultivars are used instead.

How to Identify

Opposite, broadly ovate leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long have a coarse, hairy texture and toothed edges. Flat-topped white flower clusters 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) wide appear in late spring, followed by bright red, egg-shaped fruits about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long in clusters that persist into winter. The hairy leaf surface and red, persistent drupes separate it from Viburnum setigerum and other red-fruited species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 10'

Width/Spread6' - 8'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

bronze

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs in late spring, generally May into early June. The creamy-white cymes open over about two weeks and are followed by red fruit from late summer through fall. The scent is strong at close range during peak bloom.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

Reaches mature size in 8-12 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Viburnum dilatatum grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil of average fertility. It tolerates clay and a range of soil pH but flowers and fruits most heavily in full sun. Cross-pollination between two genetically different plants sharply increases fruit set. Established shrubs withstand short dry spells but grow more vigorously with steady moisture. The viburnum leaf beetle can defoliate plants in regions where it is present. Routine care is limited to occasional thinning and watering during drought.

Pruning

Pruning is done immediately after flowering, since flower buds for the next year form on old wood. Removing the oldest stems at the base every few years keeps the shrub open and renewed. Pruning later in the season reduces the following spring bloom and fruit.