How Quickly Does Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub Grow?

Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is a popular deciduous flowering shrub native to eastern North America With its glossy green leaves, fragrant white blooms, and ornamental berries, it’s easy to see why this beauty is a staple in many gardens and landscapes If you’re considering adding arrowwood viburnum to your outdoor space, you probably want to know how fast this shrub grows. Here’s what you need to know about the growth rate and habits of this versatile plant.

Overview of Arrowwood Viburnum

Before we dive into growth speed, let’s cover some arrowwood viburnum basics. This shrub typically grows to be around 6-15 feet tall and wide. It thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts well to most soil types.

Arrowwood viburnum is prized for its year-round appeal. In spring, clusters of tiny white flowers emerge, eventually giving way to blue-black berries in fall. The leaves start out a vibrant green before turning lovely shades of burgundy, orange and red in autumn. The fruits are a magnet for birds and other wildlife.

This shrub makes a beautiful specimen plant, hedge or screen. It also works well in rain gardens and other landscapes meant to protect water quality. Arrowwood viburnum’s dense structure provides excellent cover and nesting sites for birds.

What Impacts Growth Rate?

Like most plants, several factors influence how fast arrowwood viburnum grows:

• Age – Young shrubs tend to grow more vigorously in the first 3-5 years after planting. Growth slows as plants mature

• Soil – Well-drained, fertile soil encourages faster growth. Poor or compacted soil can restrict development.

• Sun – Arrowwood thrives in full sun but tolerates part shade. More sun generally equates to more growth.

• Water – Adequate moisture is important, especially for younger plants. Too much or too little water slows growth.

• Pruning & Damage – Regular pruning encourages new growth. Significant damage can stunt plants.

• Climate – Warm climates with longer growing seasons are ideal. Colder regions see slower development.

Expected Growth Rate

Given proper growing conditions, arrowwood viburnum grows at a moderate rate. You can expect around 12-24 inches of new growth per year. Shrubs in containers may grow a bit slower. Here’s a general timeline:

• Year 1 – 1-2 feet of growth from a 1-2 foot potted plant.

• Year 2 – Grows 2-3 feet tall/wide.

• Year 3 – Reaches 3-4 feet in height/width.

• Year 5 – Around 5-7 feet tall and wide.

• Year 7-8 – Typically achieves mature dimensions of 6-15 feet high and wide.

Of course, exact growth depends on all the factors discussed above. With ideal conditions, arrowwood may reach maturity even faster.

Caring for Your Arrowwood Viburnum

To encourage vigorous growth, provide your arrowwood viburnum with proper care:

• Plant in spring – This gives roots time to establish before winter.

• Give it space – Allow at least 6 feet between plants for air circulation.

• Water regularly – Provide 1-2 inches of water per week in warmer months.

• Fertilize lightly – In early spring, use a balanced fertilizer per label directions.

• Prune yearly – In late winter, remove dead branches and shape as needed.

• Watch for pests – Monitor for common pests like aphids and scale. Treat promptly if found.

• Protect from wind – Add a windbreak if needed to prevent damage to young shrubs.

• Mulch around the base – This helps maintain even soil moisture and temperature.

Achieving Faster Growth

If basic care doesn’t produce the growth you desire, here are a few extra tips:

• Plant in fertile, amended soil to encourage vigorous root development.

• Water deeply and often during the first year to support establishment.

• Fertilize a second time mid-season the first year. Don’t overdo it in later years.

• Prune lightly in summer to stimulate new growth. Never remove more than 1/3 of the plant.

• Add mycorrhizal fungi to the root zone to boost nutrient and water absorption.

• Protect plants from excessive wind and harsh sun the first year or two.

With the right growing conditions and care, your arrowwood viburnum will flourish! Be patient, as these shrubs can take a few years to reach their mature size and form. But the wait is worth it for this multidimensional, low-maintenance plant.

Mature Size Offers Years of Enjoyment

One of the key benefits of arrowwood viburnum is its versatility. Use it as a specimen plant, informal hedge or incorporated into mixed beds and borders. No matter where you place it in your landscape, arrowwood viburnum’s modest size won’t overtake the space.

This adaptable shrub offers multi-season interest with minimal upkeep once mature. The mature framework of stems provides excellent structure, nesting sites and food for wildlife. Sit back and enjoy the show as vibrant flowers become abundant fruit that feeds the birds well into winter.

Arrowwood viburnum is one of those classic, reliable plants that just seems to get better with age. Be patient with your shrub in those first few years. Establishing a healthy root system leads to many years of easy growth and natural beauty.