Are all viburnum deciduous?

Viburnums: Deciduous or Evergreen? Let’s Sort It Out!

Viburnums! Aren’t they just fantastic? I mean, seriously, what’s not to love? Gorgeous flowers, lovely foliage, and berries that the birds go absolutely crazy for. With a crazy number of varieties out there – over 150 species, plus all sorts of cultivated types – you’ve got a ton of choices for your garden. But here’s a question I get asked all the time: “Are all viburnums deciduous?”

Well, the short answer is no. Not even close!

While it’s true that many viburnums are deciduous – meaning they drop their leaves in the fall like good little seasonal actors – you’ll also find evergreen and semi-evergreen types in the mix. Think of it like this: it all depends on the specific viburnum and where it’s growing. The cool guys from colder climates? Usually deciduous. The sun-loving viburnums from warmer spots? Often evergreen. Makes sense, right?

The Showstoppers: Deciduous Viburnums

Okay, let’s talk about the deciduous viburnums. These are the ones that give you that beautiful fall show. We’re talking reds, oranges, purples… the whole shebang! Some of my favorites include:

• American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum): Oh man, this one’s a winner. Its leaves look kinda like maple leaves, and they turn this amazing red in the fall. Plus, bright red berries? Yes, please!
• Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum): A real workhorse of a shrub. It’s super hardy, has a bunch of stems, and gets these creamy-white flowers. The berries are a cool blue-black, and the leaves? Fall color galore!
• Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii): If you want fragrance, this is your viburnum. The pinkish-white flowers in spring smell incredible. And then, in the fall, the leaves turn wine-red or burgundy. Seriously stunning.
• Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium): This native beauty is a real treat in the autumn. The leaves, shaped like maple leaves, transform into reddish-purple and magenta shades.
• Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago): Don’t let the name fool you, this shrub is anything but a nanny! It’s a showstopper with its flowers, glossy leaves, and fall foliage that turns yellow, red, and purple.

Green All Year Round: Evergreen Viburnums

Now, for those of you who want greenery all year round, the evergreen viburnums are where it’s at. These guys keep their leaves, providing structure and interest to your garden even in the dead of winter. Check these out:

• David Viburnum (Viburnum davidii): This one’s a cutie. It stays low to the ground and has these dark blue-green, leathery leaves. Very classy.
• Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum): This is a bigger shrub, with long, glossy, dark green leaves that have a really cool, textured look.
• Laurustinus Viburnum (Viburnum tinus): A true beauty! Glossy dark-green foliage, a light fragrance, and pink-white flowers.

Sometimes Yes, Sometimes No: Semi-Evergreen Viburnums

And then we have the semi-evergreens. These guys are a little wishy-washy. They might keep their leaves in warmer areas, but they’ll probably drop them if it gets too cold.

• Burkwood Viburnum (Viburnum × burkwoodii): I’ve seen this one stay green in milder winters, but it definitely loses its leaves when the temps really drop. It has glossy, dark green leaves that turn a cool maroon color in the fall.

So, Which Viburnum is Right for You?

When it comes down to picking a viburnum, think about where you live, what you want it to look like, and what you want it to do. Do you want that amazing fall color? Go deciduous! Need year-round greenery? Evergreen’s your friend. Want a hedge? A statement plant? Something to fill a border? Viburnums can do it all!

Honestly, viburnums are just awesome plants. Knowing the difference between the deciduous, evergreen, and semi-evergreen types will help you pick the perfect one to make your garden shine. Happy planting!