Low Growing Viburnums Can You Use Viburnum As Ground Cover

These trees and shrubs can shade out other plants or make it difficult to grow much in the area except, of course, weeds. Generally, a large go-to plant for trouble areas, low growing viburnums can be used as a ground cover in out-of-the-way sunny or shady spots.

Can you cut viburnum to the ground?
Is there a dwarf viburnum?
Will viburnum grow in full shade?
Is Viburnum drought resistant?
Can viburnum be cut back hard?
When should viburnum be pruned?
Can viburnum be kept small?
Can you keep a viburnum small?
What looks good with viburnum?
What viburnum is best in shade?
What is the best fertilizer for viburnum?
Do birds eat viburnum berries?

Can you cut viburnum to the ground?

Oftentimes, taking up to a third of the shrub can achieve natural-looking results without harming the viburnum. For overgrown shrubs, reshaping may take several years of pruning to correct. Cut these plants close to the ground, leaving sturdier stems in place and removing any thin ones.

Is there a dwarf viburnum?

Dwarf European cranberrybush viburnum is Viburnum opulus 'Nanum. ' This shrub grows 18 to 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide. It has the same eye-catching leaves as the full size version, but this dwarf viburnum doesn't bloom or produce fruit. It's a good choice for a small viburnum hedge, like along a walkway or drive.

Will viburnum grow in full shade?

Unless noted, viburnums grow well in moist, well-drained soil in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. North American native viburnums and their cultivars are indicated by an asterisk.

Is Viburnum drought resistant?

In addition to beautiful aesthetics, viburnums are adaptable to wet or dry soil and can handle full sun to full shade. Once established most viburnums are drought resistant and require minimal maintenance. An additional feature is that they have very few disease or insect problems, especially in Iowa.

Can viburnum be cut back hard?

A hard prune can be done when the viburnum spreads too much, gets too leggy, or overgrown. Cutting larger, unsightly branches helps to thin out the shrub.

When should viburnum be pruned?

If you're pruning viburnums to restrain or shape their growth, the timing for when to prune viburnum is right after flowering. Viburnums typically form their flower buds for the following year during the summer after flowering. If you wait to prune viburnums in fall or early spring, you risk cutting off flower buds.

Can viburnum be kept small?

It can also be used for hedging. Viburnum opulus Roseum or the Snowball Tree is one of the deciduous viburnum darlings – prized for its stunning fluffy white flowers. Viburnum x Juddii, another deciduous viburnum has a compact habit and is ideal for the smaller garden or where space may be restricted.

Can you keep a viburnum small?

Some viburnums stay smaller and have a more spreading habit. However, like other shrubs such as burning bush or lilac, many viburnums listed as “dwarf” or “compact” can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m.) ... Viburnums can be cut back hard in late winter or early spring to keep compact.

What looks good with viburnum?

Choose companion plants with contrasting foliage, such as evergreen ferns. (Or, for a winter garden, pair with other early bloomers like crocuses and pansies.) Because viburnum doesn't self-pollinate regularly, plant several viburnum shrubs near each other.

What viburnum is best in shade?

Both Siebold viburnum and nannyberry can reach a height of 15 to 20 feet and grow well in moist shade, but nannyberry will also grow in dry soil. Siebold viburnum thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8, and nannyberry grows well in USDA zones 2 through 8. Both viburnums bear creamy white lacecap blooms and colorful fruits.

What is the best fertilizer for viburnum?

Blood meal is a smart choice to apply in late winter or spring, as it breaks down rapidly to sweeten the soil for flowering. Later, alfalfa meal, compost, rotted manures and fish emulsion are all safe choices for fertilizing viburnums.

Do birds eat viburnum berries?

Viburnums are the stalwart of any good shrub border and not surprisingly they are also equally important plants for creating good bird habitat. Viburnums provide everything from canopy that shelters the nests of smaller songbirds to a plethora of colored berries that birds love to feast upon.