Blackhaw viburnum is a large shrub with an upright form and rounded shape, making this native shrub attractive when planted individually or grouped for a tall hedge or screen. Flat topped white flower clusters bloom in spring, giving way to yellow …
Blackhaw viburnum is a large shrub with an upright form and a rounded crown, making this native shrub attractive when planted individually or grouped for a tall hedge or screen. Flat topped white flower clusters bloom in spring, giving way to yellow berries that turn blue-black. Generally multi-stemmed, Blackhaw has dark green, finely toothed foliage that turns red in autumn. This understory shrub or small tree grows naturally along forest edges and near rivers, and does best in soils that are consistently medium-moist, but well drained. In a location with full sun it is important that the soil is has adequate moisture. Partial sun or light shade is ideal. Viburnums flower profusely whether or not pollination occurs. However, poor fruiting will happen if there is only one Viburnum available.
Keystone species in the Eastern temperate forest ecoregion, Native Viburnums provide excellent support for wildlife and pollinators, serving as host plants to numerous lepidoptera including the Green Marvel and Pink Prominent moths.
Planting and Cultivation Notes
As a general rule, viburnums are not self-fertile, and cross pollination from two shrubs is needed for reliable fruit production. We recommend two to three Blackhaw Viburnum shrubs for ample fruiting.
Native plants can be grown outside of their native range in the appropriate growing conditions. This map shows the native range, as well as the introduced range, of this species.
Plant Shipping Rates: for plant orders up to $50 the shipping amount is $9.95. For plant orders from $50.01 and over, the shipping rate is 20% of the total plant cost.
Spring plant-shipping begins on April 1, 2024. May 17 is the last day to order plants for spring shipping.
During checkout, you will be asked to choose a Shipping Week for your plant delivery, from the dates that are available. The week that you choose will be included in your order confirmation email. When your plants ship you will receive an email that includes your tracking information.
Will other Viburnum species serve for pollination purposes, or does the additional viburnum need to be of the same species?
We can't guarantee that different species of Viburnum will create reliable, compatible pollination for the fertilization of flowers, ample fruit and seed production. We recommend planting more than one of this particular species to assure the best level of fruit production. All of our Viburnums are sourced and grown from seed, from northern Wisconsin.
is this shrub deer resistant?
Blackhaw Viburnum will experience some browsing by deer, but it is not often severely damaged by it. So it is only somewhat deer resistant. However, newly installed young shrubs are tender, especially in the spring when other sources of food may be scarce. If you live in an area where deer are present, we recommend protecting any newly installed shrubs by surrounding them with a wire fencing cage, or a plastic netting to protect them from deer and/or rabbits. If you live in an urban area where there are no deer, you may have rabbits in your yard. Rabbits will browse young, newly planted shrubs in late winter and early spring.
What size is this shrub when shipped?
Our potted shrubs are between 1' and 2' high when shipped. The root is well developed and the plants have established branching. This shrub is in a one gallon (or #1) container, which is approximately 7" deep x 6.5" wide at the top.
Should this shrub be planted in spring or fall?
This shrub can be successfully planted in either spring or fall. See Tips for Planting in Fall for more informtation about planting perennials (including shrubs) in the fall. You may also be interested in How to Plant Shrubs, in our Resource & Guides pages.
Is this shrub deer resistant?
This shrub is not deer resistant.
If you live in an area where deer are present, we recommend protecting any newly installed shrubs by surrounding them with a wire fencing cage, or a plastic netting to protect them from being browsed by deer and/or rabbits. Food sources can be scarce in the winter, and young shrubs are choice when when there are no tender perennials available. If you live in an urban area where there are no deer, you may have rabbits in your yard. Rabbits also browse young, newly planted shrubs when other plants are not available.
These shrubs are deer resistant: New Jersey Tea,Sweet Fern,Shrubby St. John's Wort,Carolina Rose,Purple Flowering Raspberry.
What is the growth rate of Blackhaw Viburnum?
Blackhaw has a slower growth rate. Typically 12" or less, per year.
Will this shrub spread by suckering?
Native viburnums do produce some suckering shoots, but not excessively. The best way to deal with sucker growth is to periodically remove them with a pruning shears as low to the ground as possible.
Will this grow upright in an open area - ie not be blown around by winds?
Yes, blackhaw viburnum will stay upright in open area. The trunk is rigid.
Also of note: Blackhaw likes medium-moist soil. In full sun it will be important that the soil is not allowed to dry out too often. This shrub will do best with consistent soil moisture, especially when it is getting established.
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