Linden viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum 'Erie')
Viburnum dilatatum 'Erie' (Linden viburnum) offers spectacular coral-red winter berries, low maintenance, and stunning fall color.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’, commonly known as Linden viburnum, is celebrated for providing multi-season interest, especially its exceptional winter display. This deciduous shrub offers creamy white flowers in late spring, followed by masses of bright orange-red berries that transition to a striking coral-red color after fall frosts. The ‘Erie’ cultivar is particularly valued because its fruits persist well into late winter, long after many other cultivars have lost their berries.
As a low-maintenance choice, the Linden viburnum performs reliably in various conditions, transitioning from broad, dark green summer foliage to attractive shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn. Its structure is typically mounded and somewhat upright, making it a robust addition to foundation plantings or as an informal screen.
Gardeners benefit from the reliability of Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ which handles a wide range of soils while offering excellent aesthetic value from spring blooms to persistent winter fruit, making it a standout selection for year-round garden structure.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Adoxaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-7 ft
- Spread: 6-10 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ is best achieved in spring or fall when soil temperatures are moderate. Ideal conditions involve average, well-drained soil; while it prefers moist loams, this Linden viburnum tolerates a variety of soil types. Ensure the planting site receives full sun to achieve the best berry production, although it adapts well to part shade.
Established shrubs possess some drought tolerance, but consistent medium watering is necessary, especially during establishment and extended dry periods. Fertilization is rarely needed if the soil is adequate, aligning with its low maintenance profile. Pruning should be done immediately after the flowering period concludes to avoid removing next year’s flower buds which are set shortly thereafter.
A critical cultural note for maximizing the fruit set on Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ is cross-pollination. Single plants often produce sparse fruit; therefore, plant two or more V. dilatatum selections in close proximity to ensure a heavy display of berries throughout the winter landscape.
Landscape Uses
The versatility of this plant makes it suitable for numerous landscape applications, including borders, screens, and foundation plantings. Since Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ matures into a substantial, rounded shrub, it excels when used to define property lines or screen less attractive views where a hedge is desired. Its upright-to-mounded habit also works well in open woodland gardens where partial shade is present, complementing the naturalized look.
Consider using white-flowering companions like early hydrangeas or late-blooming white peonies that share similar moisture and light needs. For fall and winter interest, pair the persistent coral fruit display of the Linden viburnum with evergreen structure or plants that offer contrasting late-season color, such as yellow-leafed evergreens or late-blooming ornamental grasses that hold their plumes into the colder months.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Viburnum dilatatum is commonly called linden viburnum because its leaves resemble those of the linden tree (Tilia), native to Asia. The cultivar ‘Erie’ is particularly celebrated for its coral-red fruits that show exceptional winter persistence, often lasting well into late winter. This shrub also features coarsely toothed, dark green leaves that turn attractive shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, adding significant seasonal value.
Tolerances
- Tolerates wide range of soils
Potential Problems
Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ is highly regarded because it generally experiences no serious insect or disease problems when sited correctly. Proactive care involves ensuring excellent drainage to prevent root issues, which is the most common stressor for established shrubs. Its inherent resistance means fewer chemical controls are typically required throughout the growing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Linden viburnum suitable for?
Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, offering reliable perennial performance across these regions.
How large does Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ grow?
This shrub typically reaches a mature height between 5 and 7 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 6 to 10 feet wide, resulting in a dense, mounded form.
What sun exposure does Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ need?
For the best blooming and heaviest fruit set, plant the Linden viburnum in full sun, although it will successfully grow in areas receiving part shade.
When does Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ bloom?
This variety produces its showy, white flowers spanning the late spring months, generally blooming from May into June.
Conclusion
The Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ stands out as a dependable, low-maintenance shrub that delivers exceptional value through its late-season flowers, vibrant fall foliage, and critically, its persistent coral-red winter berries. Selecting the Linden viburnum ensures you add reliable structure and wildlife appeal to your garden, but remember to plant multiple selections for optimal fruiting. Before installation, confirm that your site falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and plan your pruning schedule right after flowering ceases.
Companion Planting
When integrating this shrub into a border, consider coupling Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ with plants that complement its need for medium moisture and full sun to part shade. Plants that offer contrasting summer textures, such as fine-bladed ornamental grasses like Miscanthus, can highlight the broad leaves of the viburnum. Similarly, pairing it with early spring bulbs like Daffodils (Narcissus) provides upfront color before the Linden viburnum begins its summer bloom cycle.
Design Ideas
The manageable size and dense habit of the ‘Erie’ cultivar make it perfect for creating formal or informal hedges that require minimal shearing once established. For foundation plantings, place it slightly off-center to allow the mounded form to naturally soften harsh corners of a building. Its late fruit display is particularly enhanced when planted against a dark evergreen backdrop, allowing the bright coral fruit to stand out dramatically during the grayest months of the year.
