Viburnum cassinoides
Witherod Viburnum
DESCRIPTION
Witherod ViburnumViburnum cassinoides
Clusters of white flowers are followed by colorful summer fruit, that change from shining pink to red, then becomes blue in late summer before turning black. Sometimes all of these colors are present in the same fruiting cluster. The berries are persistent and add winter interest before the birds gobble them up. The fall foliage is always colorful in shades orange, red and purple. For best cross-pollination and subsequent fruit display, plant shrubs in groups rather than as single specimens. This variety is useful as a pollinator for Viburnum 'Winterthur'. Prefers average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils including boggy ones.
Note: While Viburnum cassinoides is sometimes referred to as Viburrnum nudum var. cassinoides many experts see and small a difference between the two especially in late fall when the foliage has dropped.
BENEFITS
Beautiful white flowers cover the shrub in early to midsummerIt is more tolerant of wet soil than other viburnums
Fruit attracts gamebirds, songbirds, shorebirds and mammals
Fall foliage turns wonderful shades of red, burgundy and purple
It does not require pruning to maintain a nice, round, symmetrical shape
The berries are lovely in floral arrangements
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Found in swamps, moist, upland woods and clearings.
Interesting Facts
With more than 150 species, viburnums are one of America’s most popular flowering landscape shrubs. They’re popular with birds too. Plant a group to attract robins, bluebirds, thrushes, catbirds, cardinals, finches, waxwings, and more. We call it bird-scaping.
GROWING TIPS
Will withstand seasonaly heavey rain and may be used in rain gardens. It will adapt to most soils and light conditions. Bloom performance will be best with more sun.