Wayfaring tree viburnum
Viburnum lantana
Wayfaring tree viburnum (Viburnum lantana) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8 to 12 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Tough drought-tolerant viburnum. Flat white flower clusters; bright fruit aging red→black.
On the CSU listlow to medium water8 to 12 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Radio Tonreg, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 8 to 12 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~12 ft apart (8 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom length
- 2 to 3 weeks
- Fall color
- Red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
What it will do to your yard
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Viburnum crown borer
- Aphids
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1 to 2×/month during dry stretches.
- Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Wayfaring tree viburnum is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Wayfaring tree viburnum?
- The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Wayfaring tree viburnum get?
- It matures to about 8 to 12 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Wayfaring tree viburnum?
- Space Wayfaring tree viburnum about 12 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 8 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum hardy on the Front Range?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Wayfaring tree viburnum need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Wayfaring tree viburnum grow?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- What color does Wayfaring tree viburnum turn in fall?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum turns red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum can be affected by viburnum crown borer and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. Wayfaring tree viburnum works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
- How long does Wayfaring tree viburnum bloom?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
