Arrowwood Viburnum | Viburnum Dentatum
Arrowwood Viburnum/Viburnum dentatum is a deciduous shrub native to most of the eastern United States, along the coast and across to Texas. It can be found growing along banks of streams and across moist woodlands.
When young, its growth habit is upright and ovular; however, as the plant matures, the older growth will arch toward the ground, creating an umbrella-like form to the shrub. While it is not a showy plant, it is vigorous, hardy, and reliable. Its versatility in growth locations makes it useful as a specimen plant, as a part of a mixed shrub border, or as an endearing addition to a woodland edge.
Plant Details - Arrowwood Viburnum -Viburnum Dentatum
Family: Adoxaceae
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs: Moderate
Height: 6 - 10 ft
Spread: 4 - 10 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Flower Color: Creamy white
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees and butterflies, and fruits are consumed by mammals and birds. The leaves of this elegant shrub are serrated or toothed, a characteristic that the plant is named after with its Latin name as dentatum, meaning teeth. Native Americans likely used this shrub's sturdy stems to make arrows, which is where its common name comes from.
The Arrowwood Viburnum produces creamy white flower clusters as corymbs that span 4 in in diameter. In the autumn, the flower clusters give way to bright blue drupes. However, more than one genetic strain is needed to produce fruit, so if you would like to provide some resources for wildlife in your garden, plant a few of these plants! In the autumn before senescence, the foliage transforms into a variety of colors from yellows to delightful orange tones and red hues.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum Dentatum)
It grows across a wide variety of soil types and light conditions, and grows well in shaded areas. The best growth and blooming will be achieved when planted in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It is winter-hardy and heat-tolerant. Once established, it can have some drought tolerance. However, it can be susceptible to white fly so keep your eyes peeled.
While Arrowwood Viburnum is an easy plant to grow and does not need regular pruning, rejuvenation pruning can be done to revive the plant after a few years. It can be propagated from seed or through softwood cuttings.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Arrowwood Viburnum Shrubs
Reliable, attractive to wildlife, and easy to grow. This native shrub will add an endearing charm to your garden and provide attractive flowers for pollinators and delicious fruit for wildlife year after year. Shop for Arrowwood Viburnum shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.
Customer Reviews
TN Nursery sent me Arrowwood Viburnum shrubs that were perfectly packed and very healthy. They’ve quickly taken root and are flourishing. A must-have plant and a reliable nursery to order from.
I am very satisfied with my Arrowwood Viburnum shrubs. They arrived in excellent condition, already showing fresh shoots. TN Nursery provides top-notch quality that’s hard to find anywhere else.
I ordered Arrowwood Viburnum from TN Nursery, and it has completely elevated my garden design. The plants arrived robust and healthy, and they’re now thriving with vibrant leaves and steady growth.
The Arrowwood Viburnum I purchased at TN Nursery is thriving in my garden. The shrubs arrived strong, disease-free, and ready to plant. Their natural beauty is already evident in the rich green foliage.
I was amazed at how well-packed and fresh my Arrowwood Viburnum shrubs were upon arrival. They’ve established quickly and are a striking addition to my front yard landscaping. Excellent nursery to buy from.
What are the key features of the southern arrowwood?
The southern arrowwood is a hardy, native shrub with creamy white flowers in late spring and bright blue fruits in autumn. Its leaves turn beautiful fall colors, making it an attractive addition to gardens.
Can arrowwood plant be used in different viburnum landscape uses?
Yes, it works well as a specimen plant, in mixed shrub borders, or along woodland edges. It grows in various soils and light conditions.
What care does an arrowwood plant need to thrive?
Plant it in moist, well-drained soil with full sun for best growth. It tolerates some drought once established and needs minimal pruning except for occasional rebirth.
How does TN Nursery ensure healthy Arrowwood Viburnum shrubs?
TN Nursery provides strong, hardy plants that are winter-hardy, easy to grow, and reliable for long-term garden beauty.
Exposure
Arrowwood Viburnum thrives in total sun to part shade. It favors at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can take some shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day. More sunlight promotes better flowering and fruiting.
Height at Maturity
Over 10 Feet
Usage
Flowering
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
3-8
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs
Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.
Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.
Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.
