Linden viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum)
Discover Linden viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum), a low-maintenance, deciduous shrub offering white spring blooms, persistent red fruit, and bronze fall color.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Linden viburnum, scientifically known as Viburnum dilatatum, is a highly valued landscape shrub celebrated for its multi-season appeal. Its leaves strikingly resemble those of the linden tree, giving rise to its recognizable common name. This upright to rounded shrub matures reliably, providing excellent structure in the garden.
Valuable for its visual impact, Viburnum dilatatum produces creamy white flowers in large, domed clusters during late spring, followed by an abundant display of bright red, persistent fruit. These red berries remain attractive into early winter, offering crucial late-season interest and food for birds.
With its low maintenance requirements and adaptability, the linden viburnum is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking reliable performance across USDA Zones 5 through 8. It provides screening capability while offering seasonal color transitions, concluding with handsome bronze and red fall foliage.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Adoxaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Native Range: Japan, China
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 8-10 ft
- Spread: 6-8 ft
- Bloom Time: April to June
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal establishment, plant Viburnum dilatatum during the dormant seasons—either early spring or fall—to minimize transplant shock. This shrub thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, although it shows a preference for moist loams. While it tolerates a wide environmental range, ensure it receives full sun to partial shade; too much deep shade can reduce its flowering and fruiting potential.
Water requirements are moderate. While established plants exhibit some drought tolerance, consistent moisture is key during the initial growing seasons. Avoid over-fertilizing; this robust shrub generally performs well without heavy amendments, focusing your efforts instead on maintaining consistent soil moisture.
Pruning is straightforward but must be timed correctly. As with many viburnums, prune Viburnum dilatatum only as needed immediately after the flowering period concludes. This ensures you do not accidentally remove next year’s flower buds. For maximum ornamental impact, remember that single plants may not fruit well; planting two or more selections of V. Dilatatum nearby encourages superior berry production.
Landscape Uses
The versatility of the linden viburnum makes it ideal for defining boundaries or creating layered interest. Its mature size (8 to 10 feet tall) is perfect for massing as robust shrub borders or using it as an informal hedge where a formal clipped look is not desired. It functions effectively as a screen due to its dense, rounded habit.
Furthermore, Viburnum dilatatum can anchor foundation plantings, softening the architecture of buildings, or integrate beautifully into open woodland garden settings. Its upright structure contrasts nicely with lower-growing perennials or groundcovers, especially those that appreciate similar sun and soil conditions offered by the viburnum.
When using this shrub to maximize the striking, persistent fruit display, group several plants together. This mass planting technique ensures excellent cross-pollination, leading to the vibrant red drupes that persist into early winter, adding critical color after the leaves have dropped.
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). It is native to open forests, forest margins, lowlands, foothills and scrubby areas in China, Korea and Japan. Orbicular to broad-ovate, wrinkled, dark green leaves (to 5” long) are coarsely toothed and pubescent on both sides before turning shades of bronze, burgundy and dull red in fall. Creamy white flowers appear in showy, domed clusters, giving way to bright red fruits that persist into early winter, making this shrub highly attractive to local bird populations.
Tolerances
(No data available)
Potential Problems
The linden viburnum is fortunately resilient regarding pests and diseases. Gardeners rarely need to contend with serious insect infestations or major fungal problems, contributing significantly to its low maintenance rating. This resistance means less reliance on chemical treatments, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem. Focus your management energies on ensuring correct siting regarding moisture and pruning timing rather than pest scouting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Linden viburnum suitable for?
The Viburnum dilatatum thrives best across USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Linden viburnum grow?
This deciduous shrub typically matures to a height between 8 to 10 feet tall, with a similar spread ranging from 6 to 8 feet wide.
When does Linden viburnum bloom?
The flowering period for Viburnum dilatatum usually occurs from April into June, producing attractive white blossoms.
What sun exposure does Linden viburnum need?
Linden viburnum prefers or tolerates a range spanning from full sun exposure up to part shade conditions.
Companion Planting
Choosing appropriate neighbors enhances the visual appeal and cultural success of your Viburnum dilatatum. Since it prefers medium moisture and well-drained soil, group it with other woodland-edge shrubs or perennials that share these needs. Consider pairing it with plants that offer contrasting textures or bloom times, such as late-season flowering Hydrangeas or early spring bulbs that emerge before the viburnum leafs out.
For fall interest, placing Japanese Anemones or native Asters nearby can complement the bronze and burgundy tones of the Viburnum’s foliage as autumn arrives. Ensure plantings are not overly dense, as this helps promote air circulation, which is crucial for preventing any potential minor disease issues in humid climates.
Wildlife Benefits
The fruit display of Viburnum dilatatum is a significant asset for attracting local wildlife, especially avian species, during the lean months of late fall and early winter. The bright red drupes persist long after most summer color has faded, providing a reliable food source.
Beyond winter sustenance, the dense branching structure of this upright shrub offers excellent nesting sites and protective cover for small birds throughout the year. Because it generally avoids serious pest problems, this plant supports wildlife populations without introducing chemical residues into the local food chain.
Conclusion
The Viburnum dilatatum, or linden viburnum, offers outstanding value through its reliable structure, showy spring flowers, and long-lasting red fruit that brightens the winter landscape. Its low maintenance profile makes it an accessible choice for nearly any home garden. Before purchasing, confirm that your site offers the full sun to part shade conditions required, and plan to plant a second specimen if abundant fruit production is your primary goal for this handsome shrub.
