Summary
Possumhaw viburnum (Viburnum nudum) is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub growing 6-10’ tall with a dense, rounded habit. This viburnum prefers acidic, moist to wet, well-drained loamy soil in full sun to part shade, but is tolerant of a range of soils, and full sun for best foliage and fruit display. Lustrous, dark green summer foliage transforms into rich bronzy red, reddish purple to scarlet autumn color. Creamy-white, flat-top flower clusters bloom in May-June and will develop into clusters of showy berries (drupes)that change color as they ripen from pink to blue to purple black. The range of fruit colors is displayed simultaneously which offers an elegant contrast to the autumn foliage colors. Fruits are enjoyed by songbirds.
The ornamental attributes of autumn color, fruit display, adaptability to planting location, and its wildlife value earns this easy-care viburnum a spot in the home landscape. It is ideal for a rain garden or swale planting and can be paired with flat-topped white aster (Doellingeria umbellata var. umbellata) for a repeat of flower form and color. In a border planting combine possumhaw viburnum with highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) for a bold autumn foliage display and to attract songbirds. Prune lightly in autumn to maintain size if desired. This species is a nectar source for bees and butterflies, and a larval host to the spring azure butterfly and hummingbird clearwing moth. It achieves its best fruit set when planted in groups. Zones 5-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun, partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
moist-to-wet - Flowering Period
late-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
red, reddish-purple - Fruit/Seed Color
black