How Tall Does an Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub Grow? A Complete Guide

Arrowwood viburnum shrubs are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes across North America With their showy spring flowers, colorful fall foliage, and berry production that attracts birds, it’s no wonder these native shrubs have become garden staples. If you’re considering adding arrowwood viburnum to your outdoor space, you probably want to know exactly how tall it will get The mature height is an important factor in choosing the right location to plant it.

In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about how tall arrowwood viburnums grow including

• Typical mature height range
• Factors that affect growth
• Tips for promoting healthy growth
• Popular arrowwood viburnum cultivars

Typical Mature Height of Arrowwood Viburnum

Arrowwood viburnum shrubs (Viburnum dentatum) typically reach a mature height of 6 to 10 feet, with a similar spread of 6 to 8 feet wide. This makes them a great choice for medium-sized hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.

However, it’s important to note that the final size can vary quite a bit based on growing conditions and pruning practices. Proper care is key to helping your arrowwood viburnum reach its full height potential.

What Factors Affect the Growth of Arrowwood Viburnum?

Several key factors influence just how tall your arrowwood viburnum will get

Sunlight Exposure

Arrowwood viburnum thrives in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade can result in leggy, weak growth. Full sun is ideal for the most vigorous growth.

Soil Conditions

These native shrubs grow best in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Poor soil or overly wet conditions will stunt growth.

Available Space

Like most shrubs, arrowwood viburnums will fill out the space allotted to them. Allowing adequate room for growth encourages plants to reach their natural mature height.

Pruning

Regular pruning shapes arrowwood viburnum’s growth habit. Cutting back overgrown or leggy branches encourages full, compact growth.

Cultivar Selection

There are over a dozen popular arrowwood viburnum cultivars to choose from, and mature heights vary. Do your research to pick one suited to your needs.

Tips for Encouraging Healthy Growth

Here are some useful tips to help your arrowwood viburnum reach its maximum height potential:

• Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-draining soil.

• Space plants 5-6 feet apart to allow adequate room to grow.

• Water deeply once a week during the first year to establish an extensive root system.

• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Feed annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

• Prune right after flowering by removing 1/3 of the oldest branches at ground level.

• Protect from harsh winds, which can damage growth.

Popular Arrowwood Viburnum Cultivars

There are dozens of arrowwood viburnum cultivars available, which vary quite a bit in terms of mature size. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:

‘Blue Muffin’ – A compact variety that grows slowly to a mature height of 4-6 feet. Perfect for containers.

‘Chicago Lustre’ – Grows quickly to 6-8 feet tall. Features glossy, disease-resistant foliage.

‘Juddi’ – A dwarf cultivar that stays under 3 feet tall. Ideal for small gardens.

‘Mohawk’ – Very cold hardy. Grows to 10 feet with white spring blooms and red fall color.

No matter which arrowwood viburnum cultivar you choose, providing the right growing conditions and proper care will ensure your shrub reaches its maximum potential height. With a little effort, you’ll enjoy the benefits of this versatile, bird-friendly native plant for years to come.