Wayfaring tree
  • Wayfaring tree
  • Wayfaring tree
  • Wayfaring tree
  • Wayfaring tree

Wayfaring tree - Viburnum Lantana

Viburnum Lantana

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Viburnum lantana is a hardy and majestic shrub native to Europe and Western Asia. It is known for its supple branches used in basketry and for its abundant nectar-rich flowers.

  • Delivery expected from 04/21/2026 if ordered before 12:00 p.m.
  • Description

    Height at maturity 3 - 4 m
    Spread at maturity 2 - 3 m
    Exposure Sun, partial shade
    Flowering period April-May-June
    Hardiness -30°C
    Origin Asia (southwest) - Europe

    Wayfaring tree - Viburnum lantana

    (deciduous ornamental shrub, bee-friendly and decorative)

    Origins and characteristics

    The Wayfaring tree is a botanical species belonging to the Adoxaceae family, just like the elder and other viburnums.

    It is distinguished by its incredible robustness, extreme hardiness, and ability to thrive on a wide variety of soils, including chalky ones.

    Description and features

    • Mature height: 3 to 4 metres
    • Width: 2.5 to 3 metres
    • Habit: Rounded, ample, and bushy
    • Foliage: Deciduous, dark green, coarsely toothed, downy underside, turning beautiful red shades in autumn
    • Flowering: From April to June
    • Flowers: Dense flat corymbs of small, white, fragrant, and nectar-rich flowers
    • Fruit: Berries changing colour (green, yellow, pink, red, then black), very attractive to birds
    • Hardiness: Exceptional (down to -30 °C)

    Exposure and soil

    • Exposure: Sun or partial shade
    • Soil: All soil types, even poor or chalky, preferably fresh but well-drained
    • Tolerances: Drought resistant once well-established, withstands high summer heat

    Planting

    • Period: All year round excluding periods of frost and heatwaves; ideally in autumn or spring
    • Preparation: Add mature compost when planting to encourage good rooting

    Watering

    • After planting: Regular watering during the first two years
    • Subsequently: Very low maintenance, water only during prolonged drought

    Pruning

    • When to prune?: After fruiting or in late winter
    • How to prune?:
    • Thin out the centre of the shrub to promote air circulation
    • Remove dead or weak wood
    • Can be cut back slightly to contain growth if necessary

    Propagation

    • By seed: Long and delicate, requires stratification
    • By cuttings: Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
    • By layering: Easy in spring

    Garden use

    Viburnum lantana is perfect for:

    • Back of borders thanks to its volume and spectacular flowering
    • Informal hedges combined with other berry shrubs (elder, oleaster, spindle)
    • Planting in natural areas or wild gardens to attract wildlife
    • Banks or edges thanks to its high resistance to difficult conditions

    Protection against diseases

    • Naturally resistant plant
    • Little susceptibility to diseases
    • Sometimes a few aphids or powdery mildew in very humid conditions, without major seriousness

    Tips for good development

    • Choose a sunny spot to encourage flowering and fruiting
    • Avoid waterlogged soils
    • Perform light pruning to encourage branching and maintain a harmonious habit
    • No need for excessive fertiliser; moderate annual fertilisation is sufficient

    Viburnum lantana, the Wayfaring tree, is a reliable choice for structuring the garden while offering long-lasting decorative interest.

    Equally rich in nectar, nourishing for birds, hardy, and aesthetic, it is a valuable ally for creating living and ecological hedges, or for brightening up natural-style gardens.

    The planting of the Wayfaring tree is carried out all year round, as long as it is accompanied by regular watering. Undemanding, it even adapts to limestone soils. Ideal at the bottom of a shrub bed to delimit a land and associated with the Wintercreeper Silver Queen at its base, or mixed with other berry shrubs such as Black elder or Thorny Silverberry, Viburnum lantana will make up a very decorative hedge that will be the feast of birds.

    Caractéristiques

    • Common name : Wayfaring tree
    • Family : Caprifoliaceae
    • Category : shrub
    • Spread : 2 - 3 m
    • Foliage : deciduous
    • Color of flowers : white
    • Fruit : inedible berries
    • Use : isolated - shrubbery - flowering hedge
    • Soil : all
    • Habit : Rounded
    • Earth to use : universal potting soil/garden soil/compost
    • Density per m² : 1
    • Enemies : whitefly - weevil - aphid
    • Possible diseases : armillary - black spots

    Shipping & delivery

    How does the delivery work?

    • Step 1 As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
    • Step 2 Each order is processed individually.
    • Step 3 Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
    • Step 4 Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
    • Step 5 Packages are ready to be shipped.

    Nos méthodes de livraison

    Expédition de nos plantes dans toute l'Europe (sauf en outre mer et les îles).

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