What Is Needed for Viburnum Dentatum to Fruit?

Climate and Environment

• Southern arrowwood grows in a wide range of climates, from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 8. It prefers part shade, but can survive in full sun. It is the most adaptable of viburnums when it comes to soil conditions, tolerating well-draining and poorly draining soil, sand and acidic soil. If you find it flagging in one area, it transplants easily to another area. For the best fruit production, plant in moist, fertile, neutral to acidic loamy soil.

Pollination

• If you already have a southern arrowwood in place and it doesn't produce much or any fruit, it may need a pollinator. Viburnums cannot self-pollinate, so this plant requires another variety nearby that flowers at about the same time. A second southern arrowwood will not work. Try planting American cranberry-bush viburnum (Viburnum opulus var. americanum), which grows in USDA zones 2 through 7, Sargent’s cranberry-bush (Viburnum sargentii), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 7, or another related plant, next to the existing shrub to encourage pollination.

Moisture and Fertilizer Requirements

• Southern arrowwood shrubs require little care to produce flowers and fruit. They tolerate drought, but after a prolonged period of dry weather will start to wilt and lose energy. In soils that stay relatively moist, with few periods of drought, the plants can create strong root systems and devote energy to producing flowers and fruit instead of just survival. Don't bother fertilizing this plant, as it is sensitive to too much fertilizer.

Pruning

• The southern arrowwood sets buds for next year's spring flowers in summer, so to save next year's flowers and fruits, prune right after flowering ends in spring. Avoid shearing, as this will cut off the branches that produce fruit in the current season. Instead, increase air circulation by cutting suckers and dead, broken or diseased branches back to the base of the plant annually. You may also maintain shape by clipping overgrown stems back within the canopy, right above a bud or branch junction. As an added benefit, this will encourage branching and increase flowering, which in turn increases potential fruit production.