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Viburnum dentatum

American arrow wood

A deciduous shrub to 3m high, with an upright, arching habit and thin, ovate to rounded, toothed green leaves that turn yellow and red in autumn. Broad, flat clusters of very small, tubular white flowers are produced in late spring and early summer. These are followed by small, ovoid blue-black berries in autumn and winter

Other common names
arrow wood
southern arrow wood
Synonyms
Viburnum pubescens 'Canbyi'
Viburnum canbyi
see moreViburnum pubescens var. canbyi
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green Yellow Red Black
Winter Black
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Viburnaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Viburnum can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple or palmately lobed leaves and clusters of small, often fragrant white or pink flowers, followed by red, blue or black berries

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by grafting in late summer or winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Minimal pruning required, if necessary prune immediately after flowering, though this will prevent development of berries

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot

Get involved

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