Grow a Beautiful Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub in Your Yard With These Simple Tips

Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is an attractive, hardy shrub that adds multi-season interest and natural beauty to landscapes With its lush green foliage, spring blooms, and bright fall berries, it’s easy to see why this versatile shrub remains a popular choice for gardens across the country

If you’re looking to add an arrowwood viburnum to your outdoor space, you’re in luck. This carefree shrub thrives with minimal upkeep, as long as you meet a few basic growing requirements. Read on to learn everything you need to know to successfully grow arrowwood viburnum shrubs in your own yard.

Selecting the Right Arrowwood Viburnum for Your Space

There are several cultivars of arrowwood viburnum to choose from, which range in size, leaf shape, and growth habit. Here are some of the most popular types:

• Arrowwood – This is the classic species, which grows 6-15 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded form with white spring blooms

• Blue Muffin – A compact cultivar that reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide. It has glossy, blue-green foliage that turns reddish in fall.

• Chicago Lustre – Grows to 6 feet tall and wide with glossy, leathery green leaves with serrated edges. It has abundant white blooms in spring.

• Mohawk – A compact variety that matures at just 3-5 feet tall and wide. It has vibrant red fall foliage.

Consider the mature size of each variety and allot enough space for the shrub to grow to its full dimensions without being crowded. Arrowwood does best with at least 6 to 8 feet of space between mature plants.

Choosing the Right Location

When selecting a site for your arrowwood viburnum, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Sunlight – Arrowwood thrives in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. Too much shade will result in fewer flowers and fruits.

• Soil – This shrub grows best in slightly acidic, loamy soils that are moderately moist but still well-draining. Avoid planting in heavy clay or soggy sites.

• Wind Protection – Shelter your arrowwood from strong wind gusts, which can damage the leaves and stems.

• Spacing – As mentioned, allow at least 6 to 8 feet between mature plants so each shrub has sufficient room to reach its full size.

Position your arrowwood where its size and growth habit will fit the space without needing frequent pruning or crowding other landscaping.

When to Plant

Arrowwood viburnum can be planted in spring after the threat of frost has passed or in early fall while the soil is still warm. Avoid planting during the heat of summer or when the ground is frozen in winter.

Purchase young potted plants from your local nursery and inspect them closely for signs of disease, pests, and root defects before purchase. Select specimens with green, healthy foliage and sturdy stems.

Spring planting allows the shrub to establish roots before summer heat arrives. Fall planting gives plants a dormant period to develop roots before putting out new growth in spring. Either season can work well.

Planting Arrowwood Viburnum Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for properly planting your arrowwood viburnum:

Gather Supplies

• Arrowwood viburnum plant
• Shovel or garden spade
• Water source, such as a hose or watering can
• Mulch
• Compost or peat moss (optional)

Prepare the Hole

• Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the pot or root ball of your plant. The widened hole loosens the soil and makes it easier for young roots to expand.

Place the Plant

• Carefully remove the plant from its container and loosen any circling roots with your hands or a knife. This encourages outward growth.
• Position the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Don’t bury it too deep.

Backfill the Hole

• Fill in around the plant with your native soil. Gently firm it down with your hands to remove air pockets.

• Mix in compost or peat moss if desired to enrich the soil. But don’t over amend it.

Water Thoroughly

• Water until the soil is moistened but not saturated. Proper watering removes air pockets and establishes contact between roots and soil.

Apply Mulch

• Spread 2-3 inches of organic mulch like wood chips or bark around the base of the plant. This retains moisture and discourages weeds. Don’t pile mulch against the stem.

• Water again after mulching to further settle the soil.

Arrowwood Viburnum Care Tips

Once established, arrowwood viburnum requires minimal maintenance to thrive. Follow these care guidelines for healthy, vigorous growth:

Watering

• Water deeply once a week during the first year after planting to develop an extensive root system. Provide about 1-2 inches of water.

• After establishment, arrowwood is quite drought tolerant. Water occasionally during dry periods for best growth.

• The soil should be moist but not constantly soggy. Improve drainage if puddling occurs.

Fertilizing

• Fertilize in early spring using an organic all-purpose fertilizer or slow-release shrub fertilizer. This fuels growth for the season.

• Arrowwood does not require frequent fertilization, but a light application every 2-3 years maintains health.

• Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers that encourage excessive leafy growth. Focus on balanced formulas.

Pruning

• Prune arrowwood immediately after flowering in spring by selectively removing dead or damaged stems down to the ground.

• Pruning improves form by removing wayward branches and promotes blooming on new wood.

• Never shear arrowwood into formal hedges or shapes, as this destroys the shrub’s natural form.

• Remove suckers promptly as they appear to prevent unwanted spreading.

Pest and Disease Prevention

• Allow good air circulation around plants to discourage fungal disease. Thin out interior branches as needed.

• Water at the base to keep foliage dry and prevent mildew.

• Monitor for common pests like leaf spots, powdery mildew, scale insects, and viburnum beetles. Treat as needed.

• Deer browse on arrowwood foliage and twigs. Use fencing or repellents if deer pressure is high in your area.

With its easygoing nature and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, arrowwood viburnum is a no-fuss addition to landscapes. A bit of attention to its basic care needs will keep this beauty blooming happily for years to come. Let this sturdy, trouble-free shrub bring multi-season appeal to your own outdoor space.

Troubleshooting Common Arrowwood Viburnum Issues

Even low-maintenance arrowwood viburnum shrubs can occasionally have issues arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems:

Few or No Blooms

Lack of flowering is usually tied to improper pruning, too much shade, or age of the shrub. Arrowwood blooms on old wood, so heavy pruning removes many flower buds. Make sure the plant gets ample sunlight. Blooming declines as plants get very mature. Renew with younger plants every decade or so.

Discolored Leaves

Leaf spots, powdery mildew, and leaf blights may cause spotting or discoloration. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Spray neem oil or fungicides if severe.

Wilted Leaves

Leaves that wilt or droop suggest underwatering. Check soil moisture and water thoroughly if dry. If well-watered, wilting may indicate damaged roots from transplanting. Mulch to protect roots and allow the plant time to recover.

Few Berries

Insufficient sunlight, overly rich soil, overpruning, and lack of cross-pollination can limit berry production. Ensure another variety is nearby for pollination and cut back on excess fertilizer and shade.

Dieback of Stems

Dieback of twigs and stems may be caused by severe winter injury, deer damage, canker disease, root damage, or old age. Prune out dead sections. Improve plant health going forward to minimize dieback. Replace if damage is widespread.

Be attentive to your arrowwood’s needs and take corrective action promptly to restore health. With proper care, it will thrive for years of beauty.

Adding Arrowwood Viburnum to Your Landscape: An Investment in Curb Appeal and Four-Season Interest

With its sculptural form, showy flowers, lush foliage, and abundant fall berries, it’s easy to see why arrowwood viburnum is a favorite among landsc