Nannyberry viburnum is a versatile native shrub, offering year-round interest in the landscape, from the showy white flowers in May to the burgundy autumn leaf color and dark blue berries. A large upright shrub …
A versatile native shrub with excellent year-round interest, Nannyberry Viburnum features showy white flowers in May, followed by burgundy leaf color and dark blue berries in autumn. This large upright shrub can spread and form colonies, making it a good choice for a tall privacy screen or hedgerow. It can also be maintained as a small tree by pruning stems and removing the suckers at the base. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, this native viburnum is found in low moist woods or near stream banks, but will tolerate drier sites. Very shade tolerant in nature, it grows larger in open sunny areas.
The caterpillars of numerous small moth species are known to host on Viburnum lentago, which is one reason it is considered a top wildlife plant for nesting birds. Other interesting larval hosts include the Pink Prominent, the Hummingbird Clearwing, and the Green Marvel moth.
Viburnumns tend to flower profusely whether or not pollination occurs. However, poor fruiting will happen if there is only one Viburnum available. The edible berries can be used to make jams and jellies.
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 Nannyberry 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.
Fall plant-shipping begins on September 9, 2024. The last day to order your plants for fall shipment is September 29.
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.
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 Nannyberry?
Nannyberry has a moderate growth rate of 1 – 2 feet per year.
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