Wayfaring tree viburnum
Viburnum lantana
Wayfaring tree viburnum (Viburnum lantana) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8–12 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Tough drought-tolerant viburnum. Flat white flower clusters; bright fruit aging red→black.
On the CSU listlow to medium water8–12 ft tall and 8–12 ft wideXeric / water-wiseZone 3 only (site it well away from structures)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Radio Tonreg, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zone 3 only (site it well away from structures)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 8–12 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~12 ft apart (8 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Fall color
- Red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
What it will do to your yard
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Viburnum crown borer
- Aphids
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1–2×/month during dry stretches.
- Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Wayfaring tree viburnum is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Wayfaring tree viburnum?
- The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Wayfaring tree viburnum get?
- It matures to about 8–12 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Wayfaring tree viburnum?
- Space Wayfaring tree viburnum about 12 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 8 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum hardy on the Front Range?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Wayfaring tree viburnum need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Wayfaring tree viburnum grow?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- What color does Wayfaring tree viburnum turn in fall?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum turns red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum deer-resistant?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum a good firewise plant near the house?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum is suitable in defensible-space zone 3 only, site it well away from structures. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum can be affected by viburnum crown borer and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Is Wayfaring tree viburnum a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. Wayfaring tree viburnum works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
- How long does Wayfaring tree viburnum bloom?
- Wayfaring tree viburnum blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
