There is no single canonical list of “14 viburnum shrubs”; the plants below are a curated selection to help you compare choices by size, foliage, flowers, fruit and garden use. Viburnums vary widely across species and cultivars: the Missouri Botanical Garden collection displays more than 50, and traits such as mature dimensions, flowering time and fruiting depend on the plant and growing location.
How to choose a viburnum
Start with the space the mature shrub can occupy, then narrow your choices by foliage habit, bloom season and the effect you want from fruit or fall color. Check the botanical name and, for a named garden selection, the cultivar name: cultivars are cultivated selections, not separate species. Before buying, confirm mature size and climate suitability for your site; a species-level description may not predict every cultivar’s performance.
The table distinguishes the three species for which the cited regional sources give specific identifying details from eleven additional, well-known viburnums. For the latter, details beyond their broad use as landscape shrubs are not stated in the cited sources here, so consult a regional nursery or authoritative plant profile before choosing on the basis of exact size, hardiness, bloom timing or fruit color.
14 viburnum shrubs
| Species | What to know | Potential fit |
|---|---|---|
| Viburnum lentago (nannyberry) | The Missouri Botanical Garden describes a tall shrub reaching up to 16 feet. In the garden location described, it flowers from the last week of April through the first week of May; that timing is local, not universal. | Consider where a tall shrub will have room. Check local conditions for expected flowering time and mature spread. |
| Viburnum rufidulum (rusty blackhaw) | The Missouri Botanical Garden notes rust-colored hairs on the undersides of leaves and on stems. | A distinctive foliage-and-stem detail can help with identification; verify site fit and mature size for your region. |
| Viburnum dentatum (arrowwood) | The Missouri Department of Conservation describes it as a Missouri native shrub with white flower clusters and dark-blue berries. Its native status applies to that region, not everywhere. | Worth investigating for gardens in its native range; check local native-plant guidance beyond Missouri. |
| Viburnum acerifolium (mapleleaf viburnum) | Exact mature size, flowering period, fruit and fall-color details are not stated in the cited sources here. | Confirm regional growing requirements before selecting. |
| Viburnum cassinoides (witherod viburnum) | Exact mature size, foliage habit, flowering period and fruit details are not stated in the cited sources here. | Check a regional profile for climate and site fit. |
| Viburnum nudum (possumhaw viburnum) | Exact dimensions and seasonal traits are not stated in the cited sources here. | Compare a local plant profile with the space and conditions available. |
| Viburnum prunifolium (blackhaw) | Exact mature size, bloom timing and fruit details are not stated in the cited sources here. | Verify mature dimensions and regional suitability before planting. |
| Viburnum trilobum (American cranberrybush viburnum) | Exact dimensions, fruit traits and climate range are not stated in the cited sources here. | Use a regional source to confirm that the plant is appropriate for your site. |
| Viburnum opulus (European cranberrybush viburnum) | Exact mature size, flower form and fruit traits are not stated in the cited sources here. | Check the identity and characteristics of the specific plant offered, especially if it is a named cultivar. |
| Viburnum plicatum (Japanese snowball viburnum) | Exact size, flowering season, fruit and fall color are not stated in the cited sources here. | Look up the particular species or cultivar to determine its mature footprint and garden fit. |
| Viburnum carlesii (Korean spice viburnum) | Exact flowering period, mature dimensions and fruit details are not stated in the cited sources here. | Confirm the plant’s expected performance in your climate before purchase. |
| Viburnum × burkwoodii (Burkwood viburnum) | This is a hybrid, not a species. Exact dimensions and seasonal details are not stated in the cited sources here. | Check cultivar-level information where available; do not assume all viburnums share the same traits. |
| Viburnum × juddii (Judd viburnum) | This is a hybrid, not a species. Exact dimensions, flowering time and fruit details are not stated in the cited sources here. | Confirm the identity and mature size of the selection you are considering. |
| Viburnum tinus (laurustinus) | Exact mature dimensions, foliage habit and flowering details are not stated in the cited sources here. | Check local climate suitability and whether the specific selection meets your space requirements. |
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s collection illustrates the genus’s breadth, with more than 50 species and cultivars displayed. Fruit may be red, dark purple or black among viburnums, and can provide food for birds, but fruit color and wildlife value should be checked for the particular plant rather than assumed across the list.
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#1 Best Overall
- We cannot ship our plants to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, or WY. All orders to these states will be automatically cancelled.
- Korean Spice Viburnum is a deciduous mid-sized shrub known for it large waxy pink clusters of flowers with intense, spicy, sweet, clove-like aromatic fragrance that will transform to a white color. Blooms in early spring.
- Its foliage is a dull, dark green that matures to an outstanding wine-red, burgundy color in the autumn.
- Mounded and round in growth habit, this slow-growing specimen will reach 4-6 feet tall and wide with age.
- Grows in zones 4-7 and prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It does not tolerate wet soil. It can handle heat but would appreciate some afternoon shade.
Will a viburnum produce berries without a second shrub?
Not always reliably. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends planting two or more similar viburnums close together to support cross-pollination and reliable fruiting. Treat that as general guidance, not a guarantee or a rule established for every species and cultivar. Before planting for berries, confirm whether the selected plant benefits from a compatible pollination partner and whether both plants can grow well in the same site.
What wildlife value do viburnums offer?
Viburnums can support pollinating insects and birds, and provide shelter and nesting sites. Some species produce berries that are important bird food, but flowering, fruiting and wildlife benefits differ by plant. Choose based on reliable information for the exact species or cultivar and your region, rather than assuming every viburnum offers the same resources.
Rank #2
- The viburnum, 'Eastern Snowball', is a hardy deciduous shrub growing 8 to 12 feet in Height with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. Abundant clusters of large pure White, Snowball like flowers
- Bright green-foliage has reddish overtones in fall and is shaped more like an oak leaf which varies from most other viburnums. Very showy bloomer
- This plant is used as foundation plant, shrub borders, hedges and screens. If pruning is desired, prune soon after flowering. The showy flowers will attract butterflies
- Mature Height ( 8-12 feet ) -- mature width ( 10-15 feet ) -- exposure ( full sun to partial shade ) -- hardiness zones ( 6-9 )
- Ships in a quart Pot -- we can not guarantee flowers at time of purchase -- may ship dormant when ordered from november thru April
When and how should you prune viburnum?
Pruning needs depend on the plant and the reason for pruning. If you plan to prune in spring or early summer, inspect the shrub for active bird nests first. The Royal Horticultural Society advises delaying pruning if you find a nest. For routine shaping or size control, identify the viburnum and check its flowering habit before cutting so you do not remove growth that will carry the display you want.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- For sale is one Arrowwood Viburnum plant that is approximately 10-16" tall and shipped in a quart pot
- SPECTACULAR SPRING FLOWER EXPLOSION - Produces abundant flat-topped clusters of pristine white flowers that create a stunning display and fill your garden with sweet fragrance when you need it most
- BRILLIANT FALL COLOR TRANSFORMATION - Leaves turn magnificent shades of red, orange, and deep purple, creating a fiery autumn spectacle that rivals the most famous fall foliage trees
- WILDLIFE MAGNET AND NATURAL HABITAT - Attracts butterflies with spring blooms and provides birds with nutritious berries, creating a bustling ecosystem that brings your garden to life with natural activity
- INCREDIBLY ADAPTABLE NATIVE BEAUTY - Thrives in wet or dry conditions, sun or partial shade, making it perfect for challenging spots while delivering reliable performance and authentic regional character to any landscape
Rank #4
- Its massive, 4-inch spherical clusters of white flowers that bloom in late spring. Growing 8 to 12 feet tall
- Plants arrive 6-18 inches tall, ready to be transplanted into your garden or landscape.
- Flowers open apple-green, mature to white, and sometimes fade to a soft pink or rose color.
- A hardy, deciduous shrub that thrives in partial shade to full sun and adapts well to various soil types.
- Ideal as a border shrub, woodland garden accent planting in hardiness zones 4-9.
Rank #3
- USDA zones 7-10
- Mature size 5-6 feet W x 8-10 feet H
- Full sun to partial shade
- Evergreen – Year round interest
What to verify before buying
- Read the full botanical name, including the cultivar name if one is given; species, hybrids and cultivars are not interchangeable labels.
- Confirm mature height and spread, then compare them with the planting area.
- Check the plant’s climate and site requirements with a regionally relevant source.
- If berries matter, verify fruit color, fruiting conditions and whether a compatible pollination partner is recommended.
- Ask whether the plant is evergreen or deciduous and what flowering and fall-color timing to expect locally.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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