PlantFiles: Viburnum
Viburnum 'Chippewa'

'Chippewa' viburnum is another one of the late Dr. Donald Egolf's introductions through the US National Arboretum. It is a medium to large rounded to spreading shrub with exceptionally fine glossy foliage, heavy flowering habit, shiny blood red fruit, and deep reddish burgundy fall color with hints of pink and orange.

'Chippewa' comes out of a complex hybrid heritage. Its parentage is Viburnum japonicum x Viburnum dilatatum, which makes it seem a little less hardy than many of the viburnums that are comfortable into zone 5b and 6a.

For good fruiting (as with most every viburnum), a suitable mate for cross-pollination is necessary. This is not a male plant and female plant situation; this refers to self-incompatibility among individual plants. 'Huron', another Egolf introduction through USNA, is recommended as the best partner planting. 'Huron' viburnum has an equally diverse background, being the offspring of Viburnum lobophyllum x Viburnum japonicum.

'Chippewa' is one of those little-known but highly rewarding rare viburnums. Make room for this and its partner in your larger landscape shrub collection.