Siebold Viburnum

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Location

Cornell Class of 1923 Flowering Tree Collection, Zucker Shrub Collection

Source of plant

Bailey Nurseries, Arborvillage Farm Nursery, Appalachian Nurseries Inc.

Description

Selected for its abundant, large, pendulant inflorescences of firm red fruit on red pedicels which persist on the plant up to 3 months before turning black at maturity and falling, and massive creamy-white panicles produced in May to early June as the young foliage unfolds. Tha panicles are supported on stout, spreading branches that are picturesque at all seasons. The pendulant multiple-colored clusters of orange-red fruits ripen to blood-red and are spectacularly displayed above the coriaceos green foliage. Birds normally eat the fruit of V. sieboldii before it has matured, leaving only the red pedicels, which provide an ornamental display. However, the fruit of 'Seneca' is very firm and is not devoured by birds even when the fruit is fully ripe. Although 'Seneca' is tree-like, and has attained a height of 14' and a width of 13.5', the plant can be trained with several branches from the base and kept as a large spreading shrub. The cultivar will undoubtedly equal the species in size and be as tall as 30' with a gnarled trunk.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

fruiting characteristics