Glitters & Glows® Arrowwood Viburnum

Glitters & Glows® Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum 'SMVDDO') solves one of the most frustrating problems with growing viburnums: the pollination puzzle. This brilliant combination shrub from Proven Winners® brings together both All That Glitters® and All That Glows® in a single pot, eliminating the guesswork and guaranteeing those coveted blue berries every fall. No more worrying about whether you've planted compatible pollinators or spacing them correctly. This native beauty delivers the complete package right from the start.

Year-Round Beauty Without the Fuss

The name Glitters & Glows® perfectly captures this plant's standout feature. The foliage is exceptionally glossy, reflecting light like it's been polished, creating a handsome presence in the landscape that persists from spring through fall. In late spring to early summer, the entire shrub becomes covered in flat-topped clusters of creamy white flowers that attract butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects. The flower show alone is worth the price of admission, but the real magic happens in fall when those blooms transform into abundant clusters of shiny blue berries that shimmer against the foliage.

Compact Size, Maximum Impact

At just four to five feet tall and wide, Glitters & Glows® fits where larger viburnum varieties simply won't work. This compact stature makes it perfect for foundation plantings where you need something substantial but not overpowering. Plant it in groups of three or five for a gorgeous hedge that provides screening without blocking light. The rounded, mounding habit looks tidy without constant shearing, and the manageable size means it won't outgrow its space or require aggressive pruning to keep it in bounds.

Wildlife Magnet and Native Credentials

This is a North American native arrowwood viburnum, which means it supports the local ecosystem in ways non-native ornamentals simply can't match. The spring flowers provide crucial early-season nectar for emerging pollinators. The larvae of hummingbird moths and spring azure butterflies feed on the foliage. Come fall and winter, songbirds feast on the blue berries, which persist well into the cold months when other food sources have disappeared. Meanwhile, deer walk right past it in favor of tastier options, making this an excellent choice for gardens where browsing is an issue.

Adaptable and Surprisingly Tough

Glitters & Glows® handles a wide range of growing conditions with remarkable ease. Full sun produces the most compact growth and heaviest berry production, but part shade works fine if that's what your site offers. The roots adapt to various soil types from sandy loam to heavier clay as long as drainage is adequate. Once established after the first year, this shrub becomes notably drought tolerant, though consistent moisture during berry development helps maximize the fall display. Cold hardiness extends down to zone 4, making this a reliable choice for northern gardens where many flowering shrubs struggle.

Landscape Uses

Use Glitters & Glows® as a handsome specimen plant where you can appreciate the glossy foliage up close. Plant three in a row for a low hedge that defines garden rooms without creating a solid wall. It works beautifully in mixed borders with perennials and ornamental grasses, providing structure and seasonal interest throughout the year. The compact size makes it ideal for smaller urban gardens where space is at a premium. Pair it with other native plants like black-eyed Susans, purple coneflower, and native grasses to create a cohesive wildlife habitat that looks purposeful rather than random.

The real genius of Glitters & Glows® lies in its simplicity. You get two complementary cultivars working together in harmony, guaranteed berry production, native plant credentials, wildlife value, and striking ornamental appeal all wrapped up in one manageable shrub. Plant it once, and enjoy reliable performance year after year with minimal intervention required.