Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum

Viburnum prunifolium 'Summer Magic'

Nature Hills Nursery

Brilliant Red and Yellow Fall Color in a Compact, Rounded Form
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 8-10 ft Tall, 6-8 ft Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Showy White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring

$160⁵¹

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: While this Viburnum handles partial shade well, aim for at least six hours of direct sun to maximize the creamy white spring blooms and deep red fall color. Shadier spots often result in less dense foliage and fewer of the dark blue berries that birds love.
Soil: These shrubs prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil, but they are famous for being adaptable. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root issues.

Watering Requirements

For the first two growing seasons, provide about one inch of water per week to help the root system anchor itself deeply. Once established, Summer Magic is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during high heat can lead to smaller leaf size and premature leaf drop. Aim for deep, infrequent soakings rather than light daily sprinkles to encourage roots to grow downward.

Pruning Tips

Since Blackhaw Viburnum blooms on old wood, you should only prune immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Think of this like a post-bloom haircut; waiting until summer or fall will remove next year's flower buds before they even open. Focus on removing the oldest stems at the ground level every few years to keep the center of the plant open for air circulation.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers near the base of the shrub in late summer, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. A simple layer of wood mulch around the base will also provide a steady supply of nutrients as it breaks down naturally.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Enchant your guests from late spring through fall with a gorgeous cultivar of the lovely native shrub, the Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium 'Summer Magic') has gorgeous springtime flowers that are powerful magnets for butterflies and beneficial pollinators of all types. You'll do a great deed for local ecology with this showy choice!

Striking Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum was selected for its attractive new growth of red leaves. The bold red leaves gradually turn pink, then start to green up for summer. This upright, rounded Blackhaw is more compact than the species because it doesn't exhibit the horizontal fishbone branching of the species.

Once the temperatures drop late in the season, you'll be treated to a spectacular display of red and yellow. Add their rustic charm to flower arrangements for your harvest table. Pollinator for Forest Rouge and Blackhaw Viburnums, pair these other lovely shrubs together and increase the amount of those gorgeous berries for you and your wildlife!

Planting and Application:

Keep these Viburnum as an attractive upright shrub or small tree. People have kept these as "right-sized" patio trees. Simply select a single main trunk or keep several, then remove the other stems and limb up the lower branches. Keep one as a specimen to enjoy the full ornamental display!

It develops into a dense screen that shelters songbirds while extending privacy for your family and friends. Place them near your seating area for welcome shade and screen. It fits well in courtyards and can be grown in oversized garden containers for many years. Anchor your foundation planting with a specimen. Or add several in an undulating planting to decorate the rough edge of the woodland. Commercial property owners can add a valuable selling feature by establishing a mass planting.

Run walking paths through the plantings, and include a water feature and seating areas to entice tenants and foot traffic. There are plenty of lovely features to enjoy all season long. Plant them five feet apart for a solid, informal hedge. Grace your property line with a long row of these easy-care shrubs without the chore of shearing.

Springtime Beauty with Creamy-White Flowers
Perfect Nectar Resource for Essential Pollinators & Butterflies
Dark Green Leathery Textured Leaves & Vivid Red & Yellow Fall Color
Edible Blue-Black Fruit for Songbirds and Wildcrafters
Hedges, Specimen, Habitat, En Masse & Screens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Give Viburnum full sun to partial shade, where it will receive at least four hours of sunlight a day. The more sun, the brighter the fall color will be. Well-drained soils are best. But this rugged selection is adaptable to poor soils, compacted soils, occasionally moist soils, dry soils, moderate heat, drought, and pollution.

Supply moderate water on a consistent basis for best results. Mulch over the root system, then pull it back away from touching the trunk. If needed, prune to shape after flowering. Make strategic cuts, with the goal to keep a balanced canopy and open the interior to sunlight and air circulation. Any pruning however will remove your songbird's fall feast. Instead, Renewal prune every 3-4 years by removing the oldest fattest stems to the ground and encouraging new growth still enjoy the berries.

Tolerates Either Full Sun or Partial Shade
No Significant Pests or Diseases
Adaptable Plant Handles Tough Sites, Clay & Compacted Soil
Tolerates Periodically Dry & Moist Soils
Compact Choice for Small Space Gardens
Juglone Tolerant & Seldom Damaged By Deer

Prepare to accept compliments on this top choice. Colorful flowering Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum makes an enchanting addition to your landscape. Viburnum shrubs are sought after in professional landscape design! They are both sophisticated and sturdy, and let's not forget hardy and resistant to serious pests. Don't delay ... this outstanding modern cultivar will sell out quickly. Order vivid Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum today!

Botanical Name

Viburnum prunifolium 'Summer Magic'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

prunifolium
Cultivar

Summer Magic
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

8-10 ft
Width

6-8 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Green, Red, Orange
Fall Color

Red & Yellow
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How large does Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum grow at maturity?

Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum reaches 8-12 feet tall and wide at maturity, though it's more compact than the native species. This upright, rounded shrub can be pruned to maintain a smaller size or trained as a small patio tree. Plan for adequate spacing in your landscape design.

What are the planting zone requirements for Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum in my area?

Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it adaptable to most regions across the United States. This native cultivar handles both cold winters and hot summers well. Check your specific zone and shop at Nature Hills to ensure successful establishment in your landscape.

What are the sunlight requirements for Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum (full sun or partial shade)?

Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable native shrub performs best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and fall color development. Plant in a location with morning sun and some afternoon protection in hot climates.

How often should I water Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum, especially in summer?

Water deeply once or twice weekly during summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Established Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum is quite drought tolerant. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches down and water when dry to touch.

What type of soil does Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum need for best growth?

Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil and tolerates a wide pH range. This adaptable native performs well in both clay and sandy soils once established. For best results, amend heavy clay with compost before planting - shop at Nature Hills for healthy, nursery-grown specimens.

What is the mature height and spread of Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum compared to the species?

Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum is more compact than the native species, lacking the horizontal fishbone branching that creates width. This upright, rounded cultivar maintains a denser form while still providing excellent screening. Plant it where you want the ornamental benefits of Blackhaw without the sprawling growth habit.

How is Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum typically shipped, and what is the shipping cost?

Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum ships as a bare root or potted plant depending on season and availability. Shipping costs vary by location, plant size, and delivery method selected at checkout. Check the product page for current shipping options and rates to your zip code.

What pruning is required for Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum after planting?

Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum requires minimal pruning after planting. Simply remove any damaged or crossing branches in late winter. If training as a small tree, select your main trunk(s) and gradually limb up lower branches over time.

Is Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum deer resistant or attractive to wildlife?

Summer Magic Blackhaw Viburnum attracts beneficial wildlife while providing natural deer resistance. The spring flowers draw butterflies and pollinators, while the berries feed birds that use the dense branching for shelter. Plant near seating areas to enjoy the wildlife activity up close.