Springtime color in the residential landscape is never lacking with the multitude of flowers of many species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. However, autumn colors may be a bit more lacking in the average home garden. This is why I have included deciduous viburnums in our landscape design. Not only do many species have outstanding fall color, but most have beautiful clusters of red, blue, pink, or glossy black fruit. Additionally, for the native plant enthusiasts, there are many species of native deciduous viburnums from which to choose. Of approximately 18 deciduous species that grow well in South Carolina, six are natives.
Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) is a native deciduous shrub with maple-like foliage and excellent fall color.
Joey Williamson, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Two of my favorite viburnums are the native Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), which has gorgeous pinkish-lavender to reddish-purple fall color, and the Linden Viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) with its large clusters of bright red fruit.
The bright red fruit of Linden Viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) hang in large clusters all over the shrub in October. Another bonus is that many species of birds enjoy the colorful fruit of viburnums.
Joey Williamson, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Consider planting one of these showy deciduous shrubs, and note that fall is the best month to plant shrubs in South Carolina. For more information about the many colorful species of viburnums, see HGIC 1075, Viburnum.
