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Reifler's Dwarf Viburnum

Viburnum obovatum 'Reifler's Dwarf'

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Reifler's Dwarf Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum 'Reifler's Dwarf') at Greensboro Shrub Nursery

Reifler's Dwarf Viburnum in bloom

Reifler's Dwarf Viburnum in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  5 feet

Spread:  6 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  6b

Other Names:  Small-leaf Viburnum, Walter Viburnum

Description:

A wonderful compact, dwarf cultivar, with showy clusters of snowy white lacecap flowers in early spring followed by red fruit in summer that matures to black; adaptable, makes a great specimen or screen

Ornamental Features

Reifler's Dwarf Viburnum is blanketed in stunning cymes of lightly-scented white tubular flowers with buttery yellow throats held atop the branches from late winter to early spring. The red fruits which fade to black over time are held in abundance in spectacular clusters from mid summer to early winter. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The small glossy oval leaves turn an outstanding coppery-bronze in the fall, which persists throughout the winter. The smooth gray bark and brick red branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Reifler's Dwarf Viburnum is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Reifler's Dwarf Viburnum is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Reifler's Dwarf Viburnum will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Screening 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Fall Color  Bark  Winter Value  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features