Dwarf viburnum Lil’ Ditty

* Common name: Dwarf viburnum Lil’ Ditty

* Botanical name: Viburnum cassinoides ‘SMNVCDD’

* What it is: Most viburnums get big – upwards of eight to 10 feet in some cases – but Lil’ Ditty is a super-compact version that grows into a two-by-two-foot mound.

This variety of a northeastern native viburnum species produces the same mildly fragrant, white, mid-spring, umbrella-shaped flowers and berry-sized black fall fruits as a typical viburnum. But it does so in a very small package that’s ideal for small gardens.

One of the plant’s nicest features is the glossy red foliage that develops this time of year. New leaves also emerge reddish-bronze in spring.

Pollinators like the plant’s flowers, and birds like its fall fruits.

* Size: Grows slowly to about two feet tall and wide.

* Where to use: Lil’ Ditty does best in full sun but also is suitable for part shade. Medium to slightly damp soil is ideal.

Landscape uses include foundation plantings (especially in east or west exposures), along walks, and interplanted with annual flowers or short perennials.

* Care: Keep the soil damp the first year to help establish roots, then soak occasionally during hot, dry spells.

Lil’ Ditty is so compact and slow-growing that pruning is usually not needed. If you ever need to clip it, do so lightly and ideally at the end of winter. (Heavier pruning can lead to fewer or no flowers and no fruits.)

A scattering of balanced, organic, granular fertilizer once in spring is helpful but not critical.

* Great partner: Spiky annuals such as angelonia, blue salvia, and celosia look good with Lil’ Ditty’s low, mounded form. ‘Dee Runk’ boxwood’s columnar habit also makes a good form contrast. Ornamental onions, penstemon, betony, and perennial salvia are good perennial partners.