Viburnum dentatum 'Blue Muffin’

Viburnum dentatum ‘Blue Muffin®’: White Spring Lace, Blue Berry Finish

A Proven Winners® ColorChoice® favourite for multi-season interest, Viburnum dentatum ‘Blue Muffin®’ pairs crisp white spring flower clusters with a late-season berry show that birds adore. Glossy, deep green foliage keeps the shrub looking clean and full through summer, then shifts into handsome burgundy-red tones in fall. When a compatible pollinator is nearby, the plant sets rounded clusters of vivid blue fruit in late summer into fall, giving borders a colourful finish just when gardens start to wind down. Compact, durable, and easy to grow, it’s an excellent choice for gardeners who want beauty that lasts beyond bloom.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 150–210 cm
• Spread: 150–210 cm
• Flower Colour: White
• Flowering Period: Late spring
• Foliage: Glossy green deciduous foliage, often turning burgundy-red in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil, adaptable to a wide range of soils

Uses and Benefits: ‘Blue Muffin®’ shines as a foundation shrub, a hedge, or a mid-border anchor in mixed plantings. Its neat habit makes it easy to repeat in rows for structure, or use as a specimen where the berry clusters can be enjoyed up close. The spring flowers support pollinators, and the blue fruit provides valuable late-season interest and wildlife appeal. For the best berry display, plant it with a compatible arrowwood viburnum nearby to support fruit set.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for the best flowering, fruiting, and fall colour, with part sun suitable in hotter exposures. Water regularly during the first season, then provide deep watering during extended dry spells to keep growth dense and healthy. This shrub is adaptable, but performs best in soil that drains well and does not stay soggy. Prune only if needed, and do so right after flowering, since heavy pruning can reduce berry set. Mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps the root zone cool.

History: Viburnum dentatum, commonly known as arrowwood viburnum, is a North American native valued for durability, wildlife benefits, and dependable garden performance. ‘Blue Muffin®’ was selected for a more compact, landscape-friendly habit and its signature blue fruit display, bringing classic native shrub toughness into a refined, residential scale.

Final Thoughts: If you want a shrub that looks polished in summer, colours up in fall, and finishes the season with true-blue berries, ‘Blue Muffin®’ is a reliable, design-friendly choice that keeps the garden feeling lively for months.