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Viburnum cassinoides

Appalachian tea tree

A deciduous shrub, to around 2m high, with an upright then rounded habit, and elliptic to oval-shaped dark green leaves that are flushed bronze when young, and turn shades of orange and red in autumn. Dome-shaped clusters of creamy white flowers are produced in late spring, followed by green berries that turn from pink to red to blue to black in autumn, sometimes with two or more colours displaying in the same cluster

Other common names
blue haw
withe rod
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream White Green Bronze
Summer Green
Autumn Green Orange Red Pink Red Blue Black
Winter Black
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Viburnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Viburnum can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple or palmately lobed leaves and clusters of small, often fragrant white or pink flowers, followed by red, blue or black berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Eastern N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in most moderately fertile, humus-rich soils in full sun or part shade. Tolerates some waterlogging, but dislikes shallow soil over chalk. Plant in groups to ensure the best display of berries

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot

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