Linden viburnum (Viburnum 'Oneida')
Viburnum 'Oneida', or Linden viburnum, is a versatile, low-maintenance deciduous shrub prized for its May blooms, persistent red fruit, and excellent fall color.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Viburnum ‘Oneida’, commonly known as Linden viburnum, stands out in the landscape due to its reliable four-season interest. Gardeners value this deciduous shrub for its abundant, creamy white flowers in late spring, followed by vibrant red fruits that often persist well into winter, providing crucial late-season color. Developing an upright to rounded habit, this cultivar matures to an impressive size, making it effective as a substantial screen or hedge.
As a versatile member of the Adoxaceae family, Viburnum ‘Oneida’ demonstrates high adaptability, thriving in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. Its beauty is enhanced by foliage that transforms into attractive shades of yellow, orange, and burgundy as autumn approaches. Utilizing Viburnum ‘Oneida’ in your garden plan guarantees visual appeal across multiple seasons with minimal demanding cultural requirements.
This hybrid cultivar is the result of crossing V. Dilitatum and V. Lobophyllum, combining desirable traits from both parents. Its attractive nature extends beyond appearance, creating a reliable structure for mixed borders or as a specimen plant in moderately sized gardens.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Adoxaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 8-10 ft
- Spread: 6-8 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Creamy white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Viburnum ‘Oneida’ is best done in spring or fall, ensuring enough time for root establishment before temperature extremes. Locate your Linden viburnum in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil. While it prefers moist, reasonably fertile loams, it demonstrates adaptability to a wide range of soils, which contributes to its low maintenance profile.
Care requirements for established Viburnum ‘Oneida’ are straightforward. Provide medium water, especially during dry spells, although established plants exhibit some drought tolerance. Fertilization is rarely necessary if planted in decent loam; otherwise, a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring is sufficient. Pruning should be performed immediately after the main flush of flowering concludes in June to maintain shape without sacrificing future bloom potential.
A critical cultural note for maximizing the ornamental effect of this shrub involves fruit production. Single plantings of Viburnum ‘Oneida’ often yield sparse berry sets. To ensure abundant red fruits ripening in August, plant two or more Viburnum Dilatatum selections nearby to optimize cross-pollination.
Landscape Uses
The substantial yet manageable size of Viburnum ‘Oneida’ makes it highly effective across various landscape applications. Its upright-rounded growth habit lends itself perfectly to use as a formal or informal screen, providing year-round structure. For those needing definition, it serves excellently as a robust hedge that offers seasonal flower and fruit displays.
Beyond screening, use the Linden viburnum in mixed borders where its late spring flowers can harmonize with early summer perennials. Its autumn foliage provides a strong color accent near evergreens or against lighter-colored architectural elements. Consider planting it as a specimen piece where its mature form can be appreciated, though remember the cross-pollination requirement for significant fruit set.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Viburnum is a genus of about 150 species of deciduous, evergreen and semi-evergreen shrubs and a few trees from chiefly North Temperate regions extending into Southeast Asia and South America. They are grown for their attractive flowers, colorful fruit and attractive foliage. The cultivar ‘Oneida’ typically matures to 8-10’ tall and is noted for its upright-rounded habit, abundant May flowers often followed by sporadic summer blooms, and persistent red fruits. Foliage provides excellent seasonal interest, transitioning to yellow, orange, and burgundy red in the fall.
Tolerances
- Deer tend to avoid this plant
Potential Problems
Viburnum ‘Oneida’ is generally robust, but gardeners should watch for a few potential issues common to the genus. Disease problems encountered may include bacterial leaf spot and mildews, particularly in conditions with poor air circulation or overly moist, humid environments. Preventative measures include ensuring proper spacing during planting and avoiding overhead watering late in the day.
Insect pests are rarely severe but can occasionally include aphids or scale insects. Minor infestations of aphids can usually be managed with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap. Keeping the plant healthy through proper cultural care—avoiding stress—is the best overall defense against most common insect and disease pressures affecting the Linden viburnum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Linden viburnum suitable for?
Viburnum ‘Oneida’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Viburnum ‘Oneida’ grow?
This deciduous shrub typically reaches a mature height between 8 to 10 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 6 to 8 feet wide.
When does Linden viburnum bloom?
The primary show for Viburnum ‘Oneida’ occurs from May to June, when it produces delightful clusters of creamy white flowers.
What sun exposure does Viburnum ‘Oneida’ need?
For optimal performance, plant this shrub where it receives full sun to part shade; it tolerates a range of light conditions.
Conclusion
Viburnum ‘Oneida’ is a highly valued, low-maintenance shrub that delivers outstanding performance from its spring blossoms through its persistent autumn and winter fruit display. For gardeners seeking dependable structure, rich fall color, and excellent utility as a hedge or screen, the Linden viburnum is an excellent choice. Before planting, confirm your site falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and consider planting companions to ensure robust fruit production on your Viburnum ‘Oneida’.
Companion Planting
When designing borders around Viburnum ‘Oneida’, select plants that share similar light and moisture requirements to ensure collective ease of care. Because this shrub prefers medium moisture and tolerates partial shade, consider pairing it with shade-tolerant foundation plants like Hostas or Astilbes, which provide contrasting foliage textures. For spring/early summer color that complements the creamy white blooms of the Linden viburnum, consider early-blooming Hydrangeas or spring-flowering Rhododendrons in slightly acidic soils.
Design Ideas for Screening and Hedging
The tendency of Viburnum ‘Oneida’ toward a dense, upright-rounded form makes it an ideal candidate for creating sight lines or defining property boundaries. When using it as a hedge, plant specimens 6 to 8 feet apart to allow them to knit together naturally over time, creating a thick, effective screen by maturity. For a formal screen, maintain regular shearing immediately after flowering, though allowing a natural shape preserves the best flower and fruit display.
