Arrowwood Viburnum 'Chicago Lustre'

About this plant

Viburnum dentatum 'Chicago Lustre' is a superior selection of Arrowwood Viburnum, prized for its exceptionally glossy, dark green leaves that maintain their luster throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, it bursts forth with an abundance of creamy white, flat-topped flower clusters, creating a beautiful display and attracting beneficial pollinators. Following the floral show, these flowers give way to clusters of attractive blue-black berries in late summer and fall. These berries are not only ornamental but also provide a vital food source for local bird populations, adding ecological value to your landscape. As autumn progresses, the foliage transitions to attractive shades of red and purple, offering a final splash of color before winter. This cultivar boasts a dense, upright-rounded habit and is highly adaptable, tolerating a range of soil conditions once established. Its hardiness and multi-seasonal interest make it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant in a variety of garden styles.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay. Little pruning is needed, but can be pruned after flowering to maintain shape or size. Drought tolerant once established.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.