June settles the garden into its summer rhythm. The big spring rush has passed, perennials are filling in, and shrubs that flowered in late spring are setting fruit for the months ahead. This month we’re shining the spotlight on a compact, bird-friendly native shrub: Blue Muffin Viburnum.
June Special: 25% Off Blue Muffin Viburnum
All June, Blue Muffin Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is 25% off at our Cedarburg garden center. Blue Muffin is a compact selection of arrowwood viburnum, a North American native species. White flower clusters in late spring give way to showy blue berries in late summer and fall, and the foliage finishes the year in red to reddish-purple tones. The 5–7 foot habit fits more yards than the larger arrowwoods that can reach eight or nine feet.
| Blue Muffin Viburnum Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Discount | 25% off, all June, in-store only |
| Species | Arrowwood viburnum (V. dentatum), a North American native |
| Mature Size | 5–7 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3–8 (well within zone 5b) |
| Sun | Full sun to part sun |
| Bloom | White flower clusters, late spring |
| Berries | Showy blue drupes in late summer/fall — eaten by birds |
| Fall Color | Red to reddish-purple |
| Deer | Generally deer-resistant (no plant is deer-proof) |
| Where to Shop | In-store only at our Cedarburg garden center |
Please note: 25% off applies to Blue Muffin Viburnum only. Other viburnum varieties are at regular price. In-store at our Cedarburg location, not available on the online shop. While supplies last.
A Three-Season Native That Earns Its Keep
Arrowwood viburnum has a long horticultural track record as a tough, adaptable native shrub. Blue Muffin earns its keep on three counts: pollinators work the late-spring flowers, songbirds feed on the blue berries in late summer and fall, and the foliage finishes the year in red to reddish-purple. It is widely regarded as deer-resistant, though hungry deer in a hard winter may sample almost anything.
It’s a good pick for a low informal hedge, a foundation planting that won’t outgrow the front of the house, or a single accent at the edge of a perennial bed. Plant it in groups of three or five for the strongest hedge effect, or one on its own to anchor a corner.
Quick Tip: Plant Two for Better Berries
Blue Muffin sets a much heavier crop of berries when a different Viburnum dentatum selection is planted nearby for cross-pollination — that’s a note straight from the breeder. We carry Autumn Jazz Viburnum in the yard, another arrowwood that pairs well with Blue Muffin (Autumn Jazz is the larger of the two, around 8–9 feet, so plan for the size difference). The two cultivars need to bloom at the same time for pollinators to do the work, so timing matters. One Blue Muffin on its own will still flower and set some fruit, but a compatible pair gives you the full blue berry display.
Water deeply once a week through the first summer to get the roots established. After that, Blue Muffin handles average garden conditions without fuss. A spring layer of mulch and a light pruning every few years are all it asks for.
Stop By This June
Stop in this June while the selection is fresh. Blue Muffin moves quickly in our yard, especially once people see the berries starting to color up. Our crew can walk you through placement, talk through pairing it for cross-pollination, and help you load it into the car. While you’re here, the perennials are looking sharp and the rest of the shrub yard is at its early-summer best.
25% Off Blue Muffin Viburnum
All month at Heritage Hill Nursery in Cedarburg. Other viburnum varieties at regular price. In-store only. While supplies last.