The Nannyberry Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum lentago) is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree known for its striking white flowers in spring, followed by clusters of blue-black berries in late summer to fall. The berries are not only beautiful but also edible, offering a slightly sweet and tangy taste that can be used in jams, jellies, and baked goods. As a native plant to North America, Nannyberry is a great choice for both ornamental and functional purposes in the landscape. Its white, fragrant flowers attract pollinators, while the berries provide food for wildlife in autumn. Additionally, the Nannyberry’s attractive foliage and dense growth make it an excellent choice for privacy hedges, screens, or wildlife gardens.

Key Features:

• Beautiful White Flowers: Fragrant, creamy-white blooms appear in late spring, adding ornamental beauty to the garden.
• Edible Blue-Black Berries: The berries transition from green to blue-black when ripe, offering a sweet and tangy flavor perfect for jams, jellies, and baking.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The berries are highly attractive to birds and other wildlife, providing a valuable food source in the fall.
• Hardy & Low Maintenance: Nannyberry is a resilient plant that tolerates a range of soil types and weather conditions, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• Privacy Screen or Hedge: This versatile shrub grows densely and can be used as a hedge or privacy screen to enhance the landscape.
• Year-Round Interest: In addition to its flowers and berries, the plant’s vibrant fall foliage adds seasonal interest, with colors ranging from yellow to red.

Growing Information:

Light:
Nannyberry thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering and berry production, plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Soil:
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, though it is adaptable to a range of soil types. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and improve soil quality.

Planting Tips:
Plant Nannyberry in the spring or fall to give the roots time to establish. Space plants about 5-6 feet apart if planting as part of a hedge or screen. To help your plant establish faster, amend the soil with compost before planting. Dig a hole that’s twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Once established, Nannyberry is moderately drought-tolerant, but regular watering will encourage more vigorous growth and fruit production.

Temperature:
Nannyberry is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, from colder northern regions to more temperate southern climates.

Pruning:
Prune Nannyberry after it blooms to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Light pruning will help maintain a dense, bushy shape. It’s also a good idea to prune in early spring before the flowers appear to promote healthier growth.

Benefits:

• Edible Fruit: The blue-black berries provide a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for making jellies, preserves, and other culinary uses.
• Attracts Wildlife: Birds and small animals love the fruit, making it a great choice for creating a wildlife-friendly garden.
• Seasonal Interest: From its fragrant spring flowers to its colorful autumn foliage and striking berries, Nannyberry offers visual interest year-round.
• Low Maintenance: A resilient and hardy shrub that requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
• Privacy & Screening: The dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for privacy hedges or creating a natural screen.

Growing Zones:
Nannyberry Sweet Viburnum is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it a versatile plant for a wide variety of climates and gardens.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Wildlife Garden: Plant Nannyberry in a wildlife garden to provide food for birds and pollinators while enhancing the beauty of your landscape.
• Privacy Hedge: Plant several Nannyberry shrubs in a row to create a natural privacy screen or hedge.
• Edible Landscaping: Incorporate Nannyberry into an edible landscape where you can harvest its berries while enjoying its ornamental appeal.
• Mixed Borders: This shrub works well in mixed borders with other flowering shrubs, providing seasonal color and texture.

Conclusion:
The Nannyberry Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum lentago) is a versatile, low-maintenance shrub that offers both ornamental beauty and functional benefits. With its fragrant white flowers, edible blue-black berries, and vibrant fall foliage, it provides year-round interest for any garden. Ideal for wildlife gardens, privacy hedges, and edible landscapes, the Nannyberry is a valuable addition to any gardener's collection. Whether you’re looking for an attractive shrub with edible fruit or a plant that supports local wildlife, Nannyberry Sweet Viburnum is an excellent choice. With 20 seeds included in this pack, you’ll have the perfect start to grow your own Nannyberry shrubs!