Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum 'KLMseventeen' LITTLE JOE)

Overview

Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE is a highly valuable, compact cultivar of the native Arrowwood viburnum, perfect for gardeners seeking structure without extreme size. This deciduous shrub offers reliable seasonal interest, featuring clusters of white spring flowers followed by attractive blue-black fruit highly desired by local bird populations. As a dwarf variety, Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE matures reliably between 4 to 5 feet, making it an excellent replacement for larger cultivars in smaller landscapes.

This tough, low-maintenance plant establishes well in a variety of conditions, thriving in full sun to part shade while tolerating a wide range of soil types. Its upright, rounded habit naturally lends itself to formal uses like hedging, but it performs equally well in mixed shrub borders. For homeowners seeking native resilience coupled with manageable dimensions, the LITTLE JOE cultivar simplifies garden planning.

The classic characteristics of the Arrowwood viburnum remain present in this cultivar, including the glossy, toothed foliage that transitions to variable fall colors. Its overall adaptability contributes to its reputation as a dependable, durable landscape performer suitable across USDA Zones 4 through 8.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Adoxaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 4-5 ft
  • Spread: 4-5 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

Plant Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE during the cooler seasons—spring or fall—to minimize transplant shock. Choose a location receiving full sun or light afternoon shade, ensuring the area has average moisture and well-drained soil for best performance. While the standard Arrowwood viburnum prefers moist loams, this cultivar readily adapts to various soil structures.

Water requirements are medium; ensure consistent moisture until the plant is fully established. Once mature, established plants exhibit some drought tolerance, though supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells is always beneficial. Pruning should be minimal and strategic: perform necessary shaping cuts immediately following the completion of the bloom period in late spring. Avoid late-season pruning, as this removes next year’s flower buds.

This variety requires low maintenance. Inspect foliage periodically for common pests like whiteflies, but serious problems are rare. Its natural form rarely requires heavy structural pruning, allowing the shrub to develop its desirable rounded shape naturally.

Landscape Uses

The compact nature of Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE makes it an outstanding choice for creating tailored hedges that stay perfectly sized year after year. Because it tolerates poor drainage better than many alternatives, it can anchor foundation plantings or define borders where space is limited.

Consider planting groves of LITTLE JOE to create a continuous screen or utilize them as repeatable elements within larger shrub borders for consistent texture and seasonal color. The white flowers offer a bright contrast when paired with darker-leaved shrubs, and the late-season blue-black fruit provides essential late-season interest contrasting beautifully against lingering greens or early fall foliage colors.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Viburnum dentatum, commonly called arrowwood viburnum, is an upright, rounded, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub which typically matures to 6-10’ tall with a similar spread, but may reach a height of 15’ in optimum growing conditions. Non-fragrant white flowers in flat-topped corymbs (to 4” diameter) appear in late spring. Flowers give way to blue-black, berry-like drupes which are quite attractive to birds and wildlife. Ovate, toothed, glossy dark green leaves (to 4” long). Variable fall color ranges from drab yellow to attractive shades of orange and red. Although widespread in eastern North America, this native plant is only known to exist in the wild in Missouri on wooded slopes along the Salt River in Shelby County. Genus name comes from the Latin name of a species plant. Specific epithet means toothed for the toothed leaves. Native Americans reportedly used the straight stems of this species for arrow shafts, hence the common name. LITTLE JOE is a dwarf cultivar that typically matures over 10 years to only 4-5’ tall and as wide.

Tolerances

• Clay Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE is generally very resistant to severe pests and diseases, contributing significantly to its low maintenance profile. The primary pest concern involves occasional whitefly infestations; these pests are usually manageable through targeted insecticidal soap application, especially if caught early.

Ensure proper air circulation, particularly when planting in denser borders, to mitigate potential fungal issues, although this cultivar is robust. Avoid over-fertilization, which can stress the shrub and make it more susceptible to minor insect pressures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Arrowwood viburnum suitable for?

This cultivar, Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE, is fully hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE grow?

This dwarf selection is specifically bred to remain compact, typically reaching only 4 to 5 feet in both height and spread over many years.

When does Arrowwood viburnum bloom?

The shrub produces its white, flat-topped flower clusters primarily from May to June.

What sun exposure does Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE need?

It performs best when provided with full sun to partial shade conditions for optimal flowering and foliage density.

Conclusion

The Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE offers the best attributes of native screening shrubs—reliability and wildlife value—in a perfectly scaled, dwarf package. Its low-maintenance needs, tolerance for clay soils, and adaptability make the Arrowwood viburnum an essential element for modern, pragmatic garden design. Before planting, confirm that your local USDA zone falls within 4 to 8 to guarantee many seasons of dependable performance.

Wildlife Benefits

The seasonal display of fruits on the Arrowwood viburnum serves as a crucial late-season food source for numerous bird species. While the flowers are not listed as highly fragrant, their creamy white color in late spring attracts various beneficial insects, supporting the early part of the pollinator season.

Planting this native selection helps maintain local ecological balance, providing shelter and sustenance that mimics natural environments. The dense structure of this deciduous shrub, even in winter after leaf drop, offers vital protective cover for small birds during harsh weather.

Companion Planting

Given its preference for medium moisture and tolerance for clay, Viburnum dentatum ‘KLMseventeen’ LITTLE JOE pairs well with other sturdy, moisture-loving natives. Consider placing it alongside plants that share similar sun requirements, such as native Baptisia species for bold spring foliage or sturdy woodland perennials like Hosta cultivars suitable for part shade.

When designing hedges, interplanting with other native shrubs that offer sequential blooming times can extend the season of interest. For late-season color contrast, incorporate late-blooming panicled hydrangeas or switchgrass nearby, allowing their textures to play off the rounded form of the LITTLE JOE.