Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is a popular flowering shrub known for its versatile, multi-season appeal. When incorporating arrowwood viburnum into your landscape design, an important consideration is selecting the right size shrub for your specific needs. Arrowwood viburnums come in a range of sizes from dwarf varieties under 3 feet to large shrubs reaching 10 feet tall or more. By taking into account factors like garden space, intended use, and desired aesthetic, you can choose the perfect arrowwood viburnum shrub size to complement your yard.
Understanding Arrowwood Viburnum Shrubs
Arrowwood viburnum is a deciduous shrub native to North America This attractive shrub features maple-like leaves that emerge light green in spring and turn shades of red and purple in fall. Clusters of small white flowers bloom in late spring, giving way to blue-black berries in summer The shrub grows in a rounded shape with an upright arching habit.
At maturity, arrowwood viburnum typically reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet and spreads 6 to 8 feet wide. However through selective breeding growers have developed compact cultivars that remain much smaller. There are also larger arrowwood viburnum shrubs exceeding 10 feet tall.
Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub Sizes
Arrowwood viburnums are available in the following size ranges:
- Dwarf – Under 3 feet tall at maturity
- Compact – 3 to 5 feet tall at maturity
- Medium – 5 to 8 feet tall at maturity
- Large – Over 8 feet tall, some reaching 15 feet
Even dwarf varieties exhibit the ornate white spring blooms and fall color that arrowwood is prized for. However, compact, medium, and large shrubs make a bigger visual impact.
Factors for Selecting Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub Size
Consider the following when choosing arrowwood viburnum shrub size:
Garden Space
Measure your available planting area to determine the maximum shrub size appropriate for the space. Compact dwarf and miniature arrowwood viburnum cultivars are ideal for small yards or garden borders. Medium to large shrubs make bold focal points for expansive gardens.
Intended Use
Dwarf arrowwood viburnums in containers accent outdoor living areas. Compact shrubs work well for low hedges and foundation plantings. Medium to large arrowwood viburnums anchor beds or corners as specimens.
Desired Look
Dwarf and compact arrowwood viburnums suit formal, contemporary gardens. Medium and large sizes create a natural, loose look. Very large arrowwood viburnums make striking privacy screens.
Growth Rate
Arrowwood viburnums grow around 2 feet per year. Expect a 5-foot shrub to reach maturity in 2 to 3 years and a 10-foot shrub in 5 to 6 years. Factor in growth rate when planting.
Mature Spread
Check mature spread, not just height. Even a compact 4-foot arrowwood viburnum may spread 6 feet wide. Allow enough room for growth.
Tips for Planting Arrowwood Viburnum Shrubs
- Prepare planting beds with rich, well-draining acidic soil.
- Space multiple shrubs 2 to 3 feet apart for a hedge, or equal to mature spread for specimen planting.
- Water new plantings regularly until established. Apply mulch to retain moisture.
- Stake large shrubs at planting to support root growth. Remove stakes after 1-2 years.
Ongoing Care
Arrowwood viburnum care includes:
- Water during droughts until shrubs are established (2-3 years)
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced, slow-release fertilizer
- Prune after flowering by removing up to one-third of oldest branches
- Monitor for pests like viburnum leaf beetle
Achieving the Right Scale
When planted properly for maturity size, arrowwood viburnums enhance landscapes with harmonious scale and proportion. Dwarf and compact shrubs complement smaller spaces, while medium to large arrowwood viburnums make dramatic focal points in expansive yards. Selecting the right arrowwood viburnum shrub size for your specific needs ensures a beautiful, balanced landscape design.
How We Protect Your Plants For Transit
We sell only bare root plants. We dip the roots in tera-sorb silicone gel to retain ample moisture for transit and surround with plastic. This is superior protection for plants in transit for up to 12 days.
Upon Receipt Of Your Plants
Open your plants and inspect the same day received. We offer 3 days to report any problems with your order. Bare root plants need to be planted within 2-3 days of receiving unless weather-related problems prohibit planting. Store in a cool place and keep roots moist and covered with plastic until they can be planted. Water for the first week daily after planting.
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Arrowwood Viburnum shrub has green leaves and white flowers that grow during the spring months. The bush also grows blue blackberries during the fall, which provides an excellent food source for some animals and a fantastic food and nesting area for birds. This bush can live for over 50 years and usually reaches its full development within five years. Its size is moderate, growing anywhere between 6 and 15 feet tall. Due to its size and natural beauty, this tree is excellent for landscaping.
One of the best things about this tree is that it can be grown in different environments. Due to the many climate zones and soils it can become in, it is among the most native bushes to grow. Regarding sunlight, it can be developed in full sunlight with partial shade. When looking to plant this particular bush, it will be best to plant it in large yards and gardens.
Arrowwood Viburnum Shrubs – Tn Nursery
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