How to Grow Blackhaw Viburnum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Blackhaw viburnum is a North American species of shrub in the moschatel family. Rarely taller than 10 feet (3 m), it is notable for its intensely black fruits which ripen in late summer and persist into the winter. The species is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers occur on separate plants.

How to Grow Blackhaw Viburnum - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Viburnum prunifolium
  • Viburnum rufidulum
  • Viburnum lantana
  • Viburnum tomentosum
  • Viburnum opulus

Things to Know

  • Blackhaw viburnum is a deciduous shrub that is native to the eastern United States.
  • It typically grows to 10-15 feet tall and 6-12 feet wide.
  • The leaves are egg-shaped and have a toothed margin. They are dark green in color and turn yellow, red, or purple in the fall.
  • The flowers are white and borne in flattened clusters. They blooms in late spring to early summer.
  • The fruit is a dark blue-black drupe that ripens in late summer to early fall.
  • Blackhaw viburnum is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade.
  • It is relatively pest and disease free.
  • Blackhaw viburnum attract a variety of birds and other wildlife.
  • The wood of blackhaw viburnum is hard and strong, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking projects.
  • Blackhaw viburnum is an easy plant to grow and is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.

Related plant:
Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum

How to Grow

  1. For blackhaw viburnum, first step is to find a good location. This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the shrub’s root ball.
  3. loosening the roots before planting will encourage new growth. To do this, simply score the sides of the root ball with a sharp knife.
  4. Place the shrub in the hole, making sure that the roots are pointing downward.
  5. Refill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go to prevent air pockets.
  6. Water the newly planted shrub deeply, giving it a good soaking.
  7. It is important to Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  8. This shrub is self-fertile, meaning it does not need another plant nearby in order to produce fruit.
  9. The fruits will mature in late summer or early fall, and can be harvested when they are dark purple in color.
  10. Enjoy your very own homegrown blackhaw viburnum fruits!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, blackhaw viburnum grow best in average to equal parts of sand, silt, and clay. The soil should be moist but well-drained and slightly acidic. They will tolerate some shade, but too much shade will produce fewer flowers.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, the Blackhaw viburnum requires a certain amount of sun each day in order to grow and thrive. This native North American shrub prefers full sun to partial shade, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can grow in shadier spots, it may not produce as many flowers and fruits in these conditions. So if you're hoping for a bountiful harvest of berries, make sure to plant your Blackhaw viburnum in a sunny spot.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the blackhaw viburnum is a temperature that is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is ideal because it allows the plant to properly flower and produce fruit. When the temperature is too cold or too hot, the plant will not be able to produce as much fruit. The blackhaw viburnum is a hardy plant, so it can tolerate some variation in temperature, but it will not produce as much fruit if the temperature is outside of its ideal range.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. Blackhaw viburnum will do best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. It is a fast grower and can reach up to 15 feet tall. This shrub does best in moist, well-drained soil.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need too much. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually do more harm than good. A general-purpose fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 is fine. Apply it once a year in early spring, before new growth begins. As for the roots, blackhaw viburnum has shallow roots, so be careful when you're doing any kind of gardening or landscaping near it. If you have to dig around the roots, do so carefully and avoid damaging them.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your blackhaw viburnum healthy and looking its best. Prune in early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing together. Thin out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. Cut back any long, leggy branches to encourage new growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is generally by seed, which can be collected from the wild or grown in a home garden. Blackhaw viburnum can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 24 and 36 inches per year. The height and spread of a blackhaw viburnum can range from 6 to 12 feet, with some varieties reaching up to 18 feet tall. Blackhaw viburnum is a deciduous shrub, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with a fungicide. If you see any of these problems, treat the plant with a fungicide as soon as possible.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your blackhaw viburnum regularly. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
  • Place your blackhaw viburnum in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and protect the roots.
  • Fertilize your blackhaw viburnum in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your blackhaw viburnum in late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
  • Watch for common pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew. Treat them promptly if found.
  • Make sure the planting site has good drainage. Blackhaw viburnum will not tolerate soggy soil.
  • Space multiple plants several feet apart to allow for air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
  • Check

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Source:
Blackhaw Viburnum | Natural Resource Stewardship
Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)-Hort Answers
Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) - Selecting Shrubs for …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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