Viburnum dentatum 'Blue Muffin' is a compact arrowwood viburnum valued for its white spring flowers, dark blue late summer berries, and red tinged fall foliage. Its smaller size and upright habit make it ideal for urban gardens and wildlife friendly hedges.
Height & Spread: 5 - 7 ft x 4 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soils; tolerant of clay and urban conditions
Watering Needs: Moderate
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Viburnum dentatum, which is native to eastern North America, particularly in woodlands and stream edges.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Dark blue berries are eaten by thrushes, robins, catbirds, and other songbirds, particularly in late summer and fall.
Bees
- Attracts native sweat bees and small carpenter bees to its clusters of nectar rich spring flowers.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 4 - 6 ft apart for informal hedges or groupings that allow room for fruiting partners.
Landscape Placement
- Great for mixed borders, low hedges, and bird gardens. Can be used in urban, suburban, and restoration plantings.
Companion Plants
- Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) - Offers early season fruit and structure alongside Viburnum.
- Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) - Complements with a similar form and wildlife value.
- Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) - Extends flowering season with fragrant blooms in moist soils.
- Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly) - Adds bold fruit color and structure in fall and winter.
- Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf Coneflower) - Adds height and pollinator appeal in nearby borders.