Deciduous Viburnum in California

Viburnums

• The 120 species of viburnums grow in a wide range of forms, from trees to shrubs, and evergreen to deciduous. Each type of deciduous viburnum has its own specific cultural requirements, but most grow well in partially shaded sites with moist, fertile soil and regular irrigation, according to the University of California. Many deciduous viburnums grow as semi-evergreens or evergreens in warmer climates.

Zone 6

• USDA zone 6 encompasses regions of northeastern California. Deciduous viburnums hardy in zone 6 include the nannyberry (V. lentago), which is hardy in zones 3 to 7. This 18-foot-tall shrub has a 10-foot spread and glossy foliage that turns purple-red in fall. It attracts birds with its blue-black berries. The wayfaring tree (V. lantana) is hardy in zones 4 to 7. This 15-foot-tall shrub has multiple stems and hairy, green-blue foliage that turns red-purple in autumn. It tolerates drought and produces red, yellow and black fruits.

Zone 7

• In USDA zone 7, which encompasses regions along the Nevada border, average lows reach 0 degrees. The 20-foot-tall blackhaw (V. prunifolium) is hardy in zones 4 to 8. It blooms with white spring blossoms and its foliage turns red in fall. Blackhaws attract wildlife with their blue-to-black fruits. The mapleleaf (V. acerifolium) grows to 6 feet tall and is hardy in zones 4 to 8. It has 4-inch, dark foliage that turns red and purple in fall. This native shrub tolerates drought and has long-lasting black berries.

Zone 8

• USDA zone 8 includes much of central California and experiences annual average lows to 10 degrees. Viburnums that thrive in this zone include the bracted (V. bracteatum), a shrub that grows to 10 feet tall with a similar spread. It has dark, leathery leaves that turn yellow and copper in fall. The 10-foot-tall arrowwood (V. dentatum) spreads up to 15 feet wide. This dense shrub has glossy, serrated foliage that turns yellow, purple and red in autumn. It blooms with clusters of white flowers in summer.

Zone 9

• Most of coastal California is included in USDA zones 9. Viburnums that remain deciduous in zone 9 include rusty blackhaw (V. rufidulum), which is hardy in zones 6 to 9. This 25-foot tree has dense foliage that turns red and purple in autumn and produces long-lasting blue berries. The Chinese snowball (V. macrocephalum) is also hardy in zones 6 to 9. This shrub grows from to 15 feet tall and has dark foliage. Chinese snowballs bloom with spherical clusters of white flowers and, unlike many other viburnums, don’t produce fruit.