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Questions and Answers: 2014

Question: I have read that the berrying shrub Viburnum betulifolium will not set fruit unless pollinated by another compatible Viburnum. Can …

• Question

  I have read that the berrying shrub Viburnum betulifolium will not set fruit unless pollinated by another compatible Viburnum. Can you tell me which I should get for compatibility, as I would love to grow this beautiful shrub and have the masses of berries it produces when suited.

  Answer

  Information from: http://www.classicviburnums.com/ "As a general rule of thumb, viburnums are not self-fertile. This means that you need two compatible plants to cross-pollinate to receive the maximum fruit production. This does not mean that you can plant two of the same clone/cultivar and expect fruit. For example, two V. dentatum 'Christom' Blue Muffin® planted in close proximity will not pollinate each other because they are genetically identical and therefore incompatible. A Blue Muffin® will however fruit if planted with another dentatum cultivar (i.e. 'Little Joe'), the species dentatum or another dentatum seedling. Another critical requirement is that for pollination to occur, both plants have to be blooming at the same time. Most cultivars within a species, i.e. cultivars of V. nudum and V. plicatum f. tomentosum, will all flower at the same time so specific plant selection is not an issue, but V. dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum) is an exception. Arrowwod cultivars do not all bloom at the same time so it is important that the correct cultivars be planted in tandem. Two different viburnums are not required, however, to produce flowers. Flowering will occur whether or not pollination occurs." I hope this helps with your question. Best wishes.