Nantucket Viburnum (`Viburnum x ‘Nantucket’`) is a versatile shrub known for its multi-season interest and low maintenance. Introduced by the National Arboretum, it features a compact growth habit and adapts well to various landscapes.
What is Nantucket Viburnum?
Nantucket Viburnum is a medium to large shrub, typically growing 8 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide, though some can reach 12 to 15 feet tall and 7 to 10 feet wide. Its foliage features dark green, oval, textured leaves that are semi-evergreen, retaining color through mild winters and often remaining evergreen in warmer southern climates.
In late spring, the shrub produces abundant clusters of pure white, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. Following the blooms, small red berries emerge in late summer, ripening to black. These berries provide a food source for birds and often persist into winter, though fruit production may be sparse without a nearby compatible viburnum for cross-pollination. The dark green leaves transform into a brilliant burgundy in the fall.
Planting and Care Guide
Nantucket Viburnum thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least five hours of direct sunlight promoting the best flowering and fruiting. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to various types, including clay, loam, sand, and silt. A slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-7.5) is ideal.
Consistent moisture is important, especially during establishment. Deep watering is recommended when the top inch of soil feels dry. Once established, Nantucket Viburnum exhibits good drought tolerance but benefits from weekly watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid overly soggy soil conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Mulching around the base with organic compost contributes to soil health and moisture retention. This shrub is cold-hardy, performing well across USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.
Ideal Landscape Uses
Nantucket Viburnum is suitable for diverse garden applications. Its upright, dense growth habit makes it effective for hedges or privacy screens, and it functions well as a foundation planting or within mixed shrub borders.
As a specimen plant, its multi-seasonal appeal makes it a focal point. The progression from fragrant white flowers in spring to vibrant red berries in late summer, followed by striking burgundy fall foliage, provides continuous interest. Nantucket Viburnum attracts birds and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Pruning and Maintenance
Nantucket Viburnum requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and health. Since it flowers on old wood, the ideal time for significant pruning is immediately after spring flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. This prevents removing current season’s flower buds, ensuring a robust bloom the following year.
Pruning controls size, shapes the plant, and removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Light shaping can be done anytime. More extensive size reduction or rejuvenation pruning, which removes older, less productive stems, is best done in late winter or early spring while dormant. For rejuvenation, remove no more than one-third of the oldest branches to prevent stressing the plant, which encourages new growth and maintains a denser, more vigorous shrub. Nantucket Viburnum is resilient and not prone to significant pest or disease issues, especially with good air circulation.