Viburnum is a popular genus of flowering landscape shrubs, with more than 150 viburnum varieties available. They bloom in spring, followed by attractive fruit and outstanding fall foliage. Fast-growing perennial viburnums can grow one to two feet per year. These plants can be used as hedges, ground cover, a privacy fence, and more.
There is no single type of viburnum foliage. Leaves can be rounded, lance-shaped or toothed, smooth, velvety, or rough. There are multiple types of viburnum flowers, too: flat clusters of florets, flat umbels outlined with larger flowers, and dome-shaped, snowball-like clusters.
Look, I’ve been growing viburnums in my garden for years, and let me tell you – these beautiful shrubs are absolute showstoppers when they’re in full bloom! If you’re wondering about viburnum bloom times, I’m gonna break it all down for you in this complete guide.
Quick Answer
Most viburnum varieties bloom for 4-6 weeks during spring (March through June). Individual flower clusters last about 2 weeks, but the shrubs produce multiple waves of blooms over an extended period Some special varieties like ‘Summer Snowflake’ can bloom from spring through early fall
Bloom Times by Viburnum Type
Early Bloomers (March-April)
- Burkwoodii viburnum – Fragrant pink-white flowers
- Bodnantense viburnum – Super fragrant pink buds opening to white
- Farreri viburnum – Sweet-scented white blooms
- Tinus viburnum – Light fragrant white flowers
Mid-Season Bloomers (April-May)
- Carlesii viburnum (Korean Spice) – Super fragrant snowball blooms
- Juddii viburnum – Large, compact flower clusters
- Opulus ‘Roseum’ (Snowball Bush) – Showy white blooms
- Doublefile viburnum – Tiered white flowers
Late Bloomers (May-June)
- Dentatum viburnum – Flat-topped white flowers
- Dilatatum viburnum – Creamy lacecap blooms
- Macrocephalum viburnum – Large spherical white flowers
- Rhytidophyllum viburnum – Lacy white blooms
What Affects Bloom Time and Duration?
Several factors impact when your viburnum will start flowering and how long the blooms last:
Plant Type
- Evergreen viburnums typically bloom earlier
- Deciduous varieties flower later in spring
- Newer cultivars often bred for longer bloom times
Growing Conditions
- Full sun = earlier & more profuse blooming
- Good air circulation promotes better flowering
- Well-draining, fertile soil extends bloom time
Climate & Weather
- Southern zones see blooms 1-2 weeks earlier
- Unseasonable temps can delay/accelerate flowering
- Rain/drought affects bloom duration
Plant Age & Health
- Young plants may bloom sparsely
- Mature shrubs flower more abundantly
- Healthy plants have longer bloom periods
Tips to Maximize Viburnum Blooming
I’ve learned some tricks over the years to get the most flowers from my viburnums:
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Location is Key
- Plant in full sun or part sun (minimum 6 hours direct light)
- Ensure good air circulation
- Give adequate spacing between plants
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Soil & Water
- Use well-draining, fertile soil
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Water deeply during dry spells
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Feeding & Care
- Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Protect from late frosts
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Smart Pruning
- Prune after flowering
- Remove dead/damaged branches
- Thin out old stems selectively
- Don’t shear into formal shapes
Special Mention: ‘Summer Snowflake’ Viburnum
Ya’ll, if you want LONG-lasting blooms, this variety is amazing! Unlike typical viburnums that flower for a few weeks, ‘Summer Snowflake’ keeps producing white flowers from mid-spring through early fall. It’s more compact too – perfect for smaller gardens.
Common Blooming Problems & Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s what to watch for:
No Blooms
- Cause: Too much shade
- Fix: Move to sunnier spot or trim overhead branches
Short Bloom Time
- Cause: Poor growing conditions
- Fix: Improve soil, adjust watering, add fertilizer
Late Blooming
- Cause: Young plant or weather issues
- Fix: Be patient, protect from late frosts
Combining Viburnum Varieties
Pro tip: I love planting different viburnum types together to extend the overall bloom season in my garden. Try combining:
- Early bloomers with late varieties
- Fragrant types near seating areas
- Different flower forms (snowball + lacecap)
Wrapping It Up
Viburnums are such rewarding shrubs when it comes to flowering! With proper care and the right variety selection, you can enjoy their beautiful blooms for weeks or even months. Remember – sunlight, good soil, and proper pruning are your best friends for maximizing those gorgeous flowers.
Got questions about your viburnum’s blooming? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help you get the most from these fantastic shrubs!
P.S. Don’t forget to deadhead spent blooms if you want to encourage fruit production later in the season!
Planting
Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight with well-draining soil. The best time to transplant is typically in spring. Leave about four feet between each plant.
To plant viburnum, dig a hole as deep as the container and twice as wide. Gently remove the plant from the container and place it in the center of the hole. Backfill the hole halfway, add some water, then fill the hole completely.
After planting, add a 2-inch layer of mulch to help the soil hold in moisture. During hot weather, the shrubs should be watered every 7 to 10 days. Little pruning is necessary, though some species can be trained to form tree-like plants by removing competing stems.
Viburnum Care
Once established, viburnum plants are fairly low-maintenance. Here are the main care requirements for growing viburnum:
- Plant viburnum in early spring, in a location with full sun.
- Prepare rich, well-draining soil that retains some moisture.
- Water weekly whenever it hasnt rained.
- Prune any leggy growth after blooming, if desired.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer each spring.
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Snowball Viburnum: Planting & Growing Tips for Stunning Blooms!
FAQ
When does Viburnum Bloom?
Most viburnum varieties bloom in spring, typically from early March through June. However, exact bloom times depend on the species and cultivar. Early bloomers like Viburnum x burkwoodii open flowers as early as March. Late bloomers like Viburnum plicatum ‘Summer Snowflake’ continue blooming into early summer.
How long does a viburnum flower last?
On average,expect viburnum blooms to last 4-6 weeks. Each flower cluster or umbrella-shaped corymb will bloom for about 2 weeks before fading. But a single shrub produces waves of flowers over an extended period. So you’ll get to enjoy weeks of nonstop viburnum beauty in spring.
Are Viburnum a perennial?
Viburnum is a popular genus of flowering landscape shrubs, with more than 150 viburnum varieties available. They bloom in spring, followed by attractive fruit and outstanding fall foliage. Fast-growing perennial viburnums can grow one to two feet per year. These plants can be used as hedges, ground cover, a privacy fence, and more.
How fast does Viburnum grow?
Viburnum is fast growing at 1 to 2 feet per year and can be the focal point of the garden or planted in groupings as a hedge. Plant it in the spring after the last frost or a few weeks before the first frost in the fall to give it time to get established during milder weather. Viburnums are somewhat resistant to deer damage. Viburnum Opulus.
How long do viburnums live?
Viburnums can live for 50 years or more, depending on the variety and care. Properly cared for, these shrubs can be part of the landscape for decades. Was this page helpful? Southern gardeners love viburnum (Viburnum spp.) for its flowers, fragrance, and colorful foliage. Learn all about this darling landscape shrub.
What does Viburnum look like?
Viburnum height and flower shapes also vary. For example, snowball bush viburnum has flowers that look like the name suggests. Some varieties have layered blooms, and many early-blooming varieties have fragrant flowers. Viburnum foliage is usually green, but some varieties have white or yellow variegation or pronounced veining.