Will my viburnum grow its leaves back this year?

If the defoliation is minor, it might push out a few new leaves. If the damage is severe, it will likely wait until next spring to recover.

Can I use a systemic pesticide?

Systemic treatments can be effective, but they often harm beneficial pollinators. Try physical removal and organic soaps first.

Blackhaw Viburnum: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for beetle larvae.
Feel the soil depth to see if it is completely dried out.
Check if the leaf drop is happening mostly on the interior or exterior of the plant.

Likely causes

Viburnum leaf beetle
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, skeletonized leaves where the tissue between the veins is eaten away. Look for tiny larvae or adult beetles on the undersides of the leaves.
What to do: Prune away and destroy any infested branches immediately to stop the spread. Apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early spring to target the eggs before they hatch.
Extreme drought
Possible
How to tell: The leaves will turn brittle and dry before falling off during a long heatwave. The soil will feel bone dry several inches down.
What to do: Give the plant a deep soak by letting a hose trickle at the base for 30 to 60 minutes. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone to hold in moisture.

Find out what's wrong with your blackhaw viburnum

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for a few older leaves to drop in late autumn as the plant prepares for winter. Be concerned if the leaf loss is rapid or happens during the peak growing season.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your viburnum healthy with consistent watering during its first few years and monitor for beetles every spring.

Keep your blackhaw viburnum healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my viburnum grow its leaves back this year?: If the defoliation is minor, it might push out a few new leaves. If the damage is severe, it will likely wait until next spring to recover.
Can I use a systemic pesticide?: Systemic treatments can be effective, but they often harm beneficial pollinators. Try physical removal and organic soaps first.

Why is my Blackhaw Viburnum dropping leaves?