Park Seed
Viburnum Opening Day
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners seeking seasonal color and structural interest.
The Viburnum Opening Day™ is a stunning deciduous shrub, celebrated for its spectacular spring-to-summer display of bold, 3-inch white bloom clusters that resemble baseballs. Its lush, dense green foliage transforms into a captivating palette of burgundy, maroon, and violet hues in the autumn. This cultivar boasts a tightly branched, full, mound-shaped habit, reaching 5 to 10 feet in height and nearly as wide, making it an ideal choice for borders, specimen plantings, or foundation accents. It thrives in sunny locations and is remarkably easy to grow, tolerating various environmental stresses.
$32.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-16%
Below average
SKU
25906
Who it's for
- Designers who appreciate evolving color palettes in the garden
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic early spring focal point
- Landscapers prioritizing year-round visual appeal and structure
Who should skip it
- Busy homeowners lacking time for consistent watering and site maintenance
- Gardeners unwilling to manage potential pest infestations
- Wildlife enthusiasts hoping to support local bird populations
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Baseball-sized blooms create a dramatic, high-contrast focal point in spring.
Seasonal Versatility
Dynamic foliage transitions from lush green to vibrant autumn jewel tones.
Growth Speed
Rapid development helps fill landscape gaps quickly after initial planting.
Maintenance Ease
Tolerates diverse soil conditions with minimal fuss for casual gardeners.
Wildlife Attraction
Reliably draws birds and butterflies to your garden throughout the season.
Landscape Adaptability
Mounding habit works well for foundations, borders, or container gardening.
Key Specs
SKU
25906
Genus
Viburnum
Variety
'PIIVIIB-II'
Item Form
2-Quart
Mature Height
10 Feet
Mature Width
8 Feet
Hardiness Zones
5 - 8
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Features
- Bold, baseball-sized white blooms in spring/summer
- Stunning fall foliage in burgundy and violet
- Full, dense, mound-shaped growth habit
- Attracts butterflies and birds
- Blooms in the first year
- Fast-growing shrub
- Tolerates various soil conditions
- Easy to care for
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and vigor of the Viburnum Opening Day stock received from Park Seed. The primary delight centers on the plant's unique design feature: its remarkably early bloom time, often signaling the true start of spring. Gardeners frequently mention the beautiful, fragrant white flowers, noting that the plant establishes easily and shows strong resilience. While some wish the initial size was larger, the overall consensus highlights its reliability and superior performance compared to other viburnums, making it a highly valued addition to the landscape.
Know before you buy
This shrub typically reaches a mature height of 10 feet and a width of 8 feet. Its dense, mounding habit makes it a substantial choice for foundation plantings or as a standalone specimen.
Yes, the Viburnum Opening Day is known for blooming in its first year. You can expect to see its signature baseball-sized white flower clusters during the spring and summer months.
This variety thrives in full sun and is quite adaptable to different soil types, including clay, provided the area is well-drained. Ensure it receives plenty of direct sunlight to support its fast growth rate and abundant flowering.
Yes, this Viburnum is container-friendly. Given its potential size, ensure you use a large, sturdy pot with excellent drainage to accommodate its root system as it matures.
Yes, the Viburnum Opening Day is a deciduous shrub that offers seasonal interest. While it features lush green foliage during the growing season, the leaves transition into vibrant shades of burgundy, maroon, and violet in the autumn.
No, this specific cultivar is not considered deer-resistant. If you live in an area with high deer activity, you may need to use protective measures to keep the shrub safe.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$33