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Cayuga viburnum

Viburnum 'Cayuga'

Common names:
Cayuga viburnum

Content Detail

Cayuga viburnum is a hybrid cross between Viburnum carlesii (Korean spice viburnum) and Viburnum x carlcephalum (fragrant snowball), selected for its large, fragrant flower clusters.

  • Family (English) Elderberry
  • Family (botanic) Adoxaceae
  • Tree or plant type Shrub
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Medium shrub (5-8 feet), Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
  • Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Dry sites
  • Season of interest mid spring, late spring, early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
  • Shape or form Upright
  • Growth rate Slow

Native geographic location and habitat:

It is of hybrid origin. Cayuga is a cross between Viburnum carlesii (Korean spice viburnum) and Viburnum x carlcephalum (fragrant snowball).

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Opposite, simple, dark green leaves with a slight sheen, up to 5 inches long and slightly toothed. It has a wonderful orange-red fall color.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Large, 4 to 5 inch diameter clusters of fragrant white flowers. Each cluster usually has open white flowers and closed pink buds at the same time.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

Berry-like fruits (drupes) that mature to black in late summer.

Plant care:

This shrub does best in full sun and well drained soils. Shallow roots benefit from a layer of organic mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture. It blooms on old wood, so prune after soon after flowering.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:

No serious pests or diseases.

Photo Gallery (4)

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