September Shrub of the Month-Doublefile Viburnum

It’s the time of year when flowers give way to berries that welcome the change of seasons. Some of the showiest berry-producing shrubs are the viburnums, and my favorite viburnum for flowers in spring is also my favorite for berries come fall-the doublefile viburnum, Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum.

Berry production has one primary objective- to be eaten and, therefore, to disperse seeds. Berries are very attractive to birds and other animals who consume the fruits. Then, preferably a reasonable distance from the mother plant, they take care of ‘business’ and distribute the now digestive-track-scarified seeds to new areas. (Unfortunately, this is how the invasive honeysuckle shrub has spread out of control.)

The doublefile viburnums are large shrubs growing typically 8-15′ that can produce copious amounts of berries along the stems where the flowers bloomed earlier in spring. They prefer full sun which is best for flower and berry production, but will tolerate some part shade with a small sacrifice of diminished flowers and fruits.

The stunning white flowers during April and May resemble lace-cap hydrangea flowers. Like the lace caps, the true flowers/florets are surrounded by sterile ‘flower’ florets layered along the stems, giving a pagoda effect. Other viburnums bloom only on the branch tips with rounded, ‘snowball’- type flowers. The ridged leaves, ranked in twos along the stems, also get a nice fall color ranging from deep yellow to reddish-purple.

Once established, doublefile viburnum will tolerate poor soils and drought. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering in spring to avoid sacrificing blooms next spring.

A zillion cultivars that range in height or pinkish blooms are available. REASEARCH and read those plant tags!

What I like about this plant;

–An alternative to invasive honeysuckle

-Great multi-seasonal interest.

-Stunning flowers.

-Stunning fruits.

-Nice fall color.

-Decent for screening.

-No serious pests or disease.

What’s not so great:

-It can get HUGE for a shrub. Please consider this to avoid unnecessary trimming and pruning. Research a smaller cultivar to minimize trimming.

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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