Viburnumspp.
TheViburnumgenus contains more than 150 dissimilar decorative woody shrub species . These are members of the Adoxaceae family , which also include elderberries .
There are mintage suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 2 to 8 .
We link to seller to serve you find relevant products . If you buy from one of our data link , we may earn a delegation .
American cranberrybush,V. opulus‘Americanum’.
There are aboriginal and non - aboriginal species with either a deciduous or evergreen growing habit , and sizes range from two to 30 feet , with a cattle farm of two to 15 human foot .
leaping flower enrich the landscape with often fragrant ointment , pinkish , and lily-white hues . In the fall , the leaves turn vivacious tone of orange , purple , red , and sensationalistic .
Many species have deep bluish or red berry , some of which are edible .
American cranberrybush,V. opulus‘Americanum’.
In this article , we discuss all you necessitate to recognise to develop ornamental genus Viburnum shrubs in your landscape .
Here ’s what ’s in store :
What You’ll Learn
Let ’s get get going !
Cultivation and History
Once classify in the Caprifoliaceae family that containshoneysuckle , theViburnumgenus is a varied one .
Per the horticultural instance of theUniversity of Nebraska - Lincoln Gardens , there are only two trait common to all members : the leaves are set up in opposing pairs , although sometimes a third folio grows from the same node ; and the fruits are drupes , with a heavy texture and grueling nub source .
These stone fruit resemble flatten round berry , the coloring of which varies by species .
Examples include the easterly native bluish - black nannyberry , V. lentago , and the northern aboriginal redAmerican cranberrybush , V. opulus‘Americanum ’ ( formerlyV. trilobum ) .
There is also a European cranberrybush , V. opulus , aka guelder rose , but it is considered trespassing in the Midwest , so you may need to avoid it .
Some mintage , like the above - cite American cranberrybush , V. opulus‘Americanum , ’ have edible fruits that have long been enjoyed when prepare and made into jam .
This species is not to be confused with the food crop cranberry of Thanksgiving fame , genus Vaccinium macrocarpon . study more in ourguide to growing cranberry .
However , while there are eatable ones , per the South Dakota State University Extension article , What is this yield , and is it eatable ? , many viburnum fruits are “ mildly poisonous , ” and it can be difficult to distinguish between specie without expertise .
We advocate cultivating viburnum for its ornamental landscape appeal , and do not advocate yield using up without expert guidance .
In add-on to the varied fruits , there are foliar differences . Some species have nearly packed leafage , while others have a loose and airy appearance .
The leaves are ovoid in shape . They may be glossy , smooth - edged , and evergreen , or deadening , serrated , and deciduous . Some have haired undersides , like downy arrowwood , V. rafinesquianum , a Midwest native .
The blossom consist of rounded clusters of modest efflorescence shout out corymbs . They range in color from cream to pink or white , and many have a delightful spicy - sweet fragrancy .
Another variable equipment characteristic is the rate of growing . Some specie , like non - native sandankwa viburnum , V. suspensum , produce faster than others , especially post - bloom in later leap to other summer .
Early grounds of genus Viburnum includes the 5,300 - year - onetime frozen remains of an Austrian hunter nickname the “ Otzi Iceman , ” hear in 1991 along with petrified arrow made from dogwood and viburnum .
In 1597 , English herbalist John Gerard published “ The Herball Or Generall Historie of Plantes , ” in which he compare viburnum bark to that of a willow tree that flex but does n’t break .
And in 1753 , noted Swedish plant scientist Charles Linnaeus first class the genus in his piece of work , “ Species Plantarum . ”
Early Native Americans used viburnumto make arrows , especially the straight , hardy stem of arrowhead genus Viburnum , V. dentatum , one of 15 specie aboriginal to the eastern United States .
Today ’s aboriginal and non - aboriginal mintage and cultivated multifariousness offer the household gardener a riches of options for the landscape painting .
Viburnum Plant Propagation
While fruit species do produce seed , starting a bush this way is a very slow summons , and only species plants rather than hybrids will replicate the trait of a parent plant .
unspoiled ways to commence are with a stem cutting from an live works , or a nursery transplant . Let ’s look at each .
Stem Cuttings
There are two type of theme thinning that may be used to propagate genus Viburnum : hard and sonant .
A hardwood carving should be take in late fall or wintertime , when the shrub is dormant .
Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring to early summertime , soon after flowering , when the sassy flush of stem turn growth is still soft .
For both types , make a track across a stem on a 45 degree angle , at a point that is four to six inch from the stem tip . Use hygienise pruners to make a baseball swing that is swift and clean , go forth no ragged edges .
If it is bounce and there are leaves present , remove these from the bottom three inches of the stem , leaving it spare .
Dip the cut end of the root word into rooting internal secretion powder and place it three in deep in a well - drain container filled three - quarters full with a sterile potting medium .
Depending upon the atmospheric condition , you should localize the container in either a sheltered arena of the garden , ina greenhouse , or indoors , in a sunny location .
Keep the pot intermediate moist , and the cutting off will acquire roots followed by tonic foliage .
Once young growth is evident , and there is no risk of rime , acclimate the press clipping to the open air for a few hour each daytime .
Hardwood cuttings may be transfer to the thou in the spring , and softwood cuttings can be hardened off and plant out in the summer .
At the metre of graft , prepare the soil and bestow fertilizer . This will be discussed in more particular in the approaching growing section , so keep reading !
Nursery Transplant
A nursery transplanting is a bush that has been propagate in a nursery scope , and it ’s ready for organ transplant upon leverage in either springtime or fall . These are typically one or two year old , and come in a one- to two - gallon container .
When transfer a shrub to the landscape , unpot it cautiously , detangle the roots , and set the root ball into the land per the direction in the following division .
How to Grow Viburnum Shrubs
With such a wide raiment from which to opt , you ’ll want to make certain you take bushes with mature attribute that suit your space .
Choose a location withfull sunto part shade . In the warm neighborhood , afternoon shade is beneficial . Some cultivars are more shade liberal than others .
The ideal soil is organically - racy , dampish loam that is slightly acidulent , with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . allow for it drains well , low quality soil will do .
You canconduct a soil testto learn the characteristic of the land in your landscape painting .
To enrich it and increase acidity , you could amend your stain withcompost , leaf mulch , or aged manure . To dulcorate to a fault acidulent filth , you canadd calcined lime .
Work the ground until it ’s crumbly , and make a cakehole that is twice as broad and twice as deep as the root ball of the bush .
Some folks like to add an all - purpose , dumb - release , balanced granular plant food to the planting hole per package instructions .
Avoid those that are heavy on the atomic number 7 in the NPK ( or nitrogen , atomic number 15 , and potassium ) mix , as it may stimulate too many leaves to form , and too few blooms .
mildly unpot the shrub and loosen any tightly bound root with your fingers .
get back the root ball in an upright position in the ground so that the diadem , where the root and stems meet , sits slightly above , or just at ground level .
Backfill the jam until the shrub is firmly fixed .
Water well , guide care not to wet the leave , as this makes them prostrate to fungal disease .
If you have n’t already add together fertilizer at this point , you may still do so .
scatter granule of an all - role , well - balance fertilizer in a anchor ring around the shrub about ten column inch out from the stems , making indisputable it does n’t have-to doe with them .
Use the gentlest nebulizer nozzle on your hosepipe to lightly irrigate in and trip the fertiliser granules .
A new bush needs even watering during the first growing season to establish solid roots . When the top inch of soil feels wry , pour a bucket of water over the root zone , unless it has rained one to two inch during the week .
If you are n’t sure how much rain you ’ve received , you canuse a rainwater caliber .
Reduce supplemental tearing during wet weather , and increase it during dry enchantment .
you’re able to even give your fresh bush a bucketful of water on a warmish winter day when the basis is n’t frigid .
Viburnum tolerates thejuglone perniciousness of ignominious walnut tree trees , isnot a favorite of deer , and exhibit above - average drought tolerance after the first year .
recollect that you have a wide variety of sizes and cast from which to choose , ranging from two to 30 groundwork improbable and two to 15 substructure all-inclusive .
Space bushes to accommodate mature dimensions and admit airflow that inhibits moisture buildup and vulnerability to fungous disease .
Formulti - shrub hedging , instead of allowing George Bush to reach their fledged dimensions without touching , plan for them to overlap with each other by about one to two feet at maturity .
Do n’t implant them too close , or flow of air will be sternly limited .
you’re able to also school a small viburnum plant in a mickle .
prefer a well - drain container with a profoundness of at least 18 inches and a diameter large enough to accommodate the mature width .
V. opulus‘Nanum ’ is an excellent prospect forcontainer gardening , with a mature height and breadth of two to three human foot .
Once planted and watered , apply a three - inch bed of mulch over the roots , but not touching the stems , to help in moisture retention , bottle up weed growth , and keep the ground nerveless .
If you are cultivating a fruit - wear Vannevar Bush , you ’ll want to institute a similar , but not monovular variety of the same species within 50 feet , to support cross - pollination and optimal fruiting .
Growing Tips
This is not a strong plant life to raise when you remember the chase :
Pruning and Maintenance
Once your bush is establish , you wo n’t have to concern about leave auxiliary water unless you experience a prolonged dry spell .
Each spring , just prior to budburst , apply the same all - aim fertiliser you used at planting time . Sprinkle it in a R-2 about 10 inches out from the base . fecundate again in recent summer .
The best fourth dimension to prune is just after blossom . Be certain to employ sanitary , sharp equipment , and make fair cuts rather than ragged one to advance rapid wound healing .
Remove broken , damaged , dead , diseased , infested , or rubbing branches .
Fast - growing varieties , such as Japanese sandankwa genus Viburnum , V. suspensum , benefit from early time of year rationalise to maintain a uniform shape , as do those grow as hedge or tree .
You may also want to melt off out branches that are so dense they limit airflow , as this may lead to fungal development .
And if you are raise a specie or cultivar with eatable berries , you ’ll desire to use healthful pruners to snip off good fruit clusters in late summer or early fall .
Viburnum Species and Cultivars to Select
There are so many type of genus Viburnum from which to prefer , it ’s hard to make out where to begin !
American Cranberrybush
As cite above , the American cranberrybush , V. opulus‘Americanum , ’ ( formerlyV. trilobum ) bears edible ruddy yield that have been made into fix for generation .
ensure you plunk yours apace , or thebirds and wildlife will have a feast !
Its Burgundy wine , orange , red , and jaundiced foliage enhance the understory ofthe fall landscapeas the trees above change and yearbook and perennials fade .
When winter has had its last blast , snowy white blossoms usher in spring .
Suitable for Zones 2 to 7 , this type grows well in full Lord’s Day to part shade . It tolerates smashed grease well , and is often found in bogs in its native home ground .
Its growth rate is restrained , with an step-up of 13 to 24 inches per year . Expect ripe heights and widths between eight and 12 feet .
American cranberrybush is a good choice for informal hedge .
Find American cranberrybush plantsnow from Nature Hills Nursery .
Arrowwood
The arrowwood species , Viburnum dentatum , sports fall foliage in refinement of yellow and red with striking blueish - black fruits .
Creamy flush and lustrous serrated green foliage adorn this type in springtime .
Best become to zone 3 to 8 , arrowwood boom in full sun to part spook , where it reaches six to 15 metrical unit tall and wide . Expect 13 to 24 inches of growth per yr until it reaches its full height .
Tolerant of clay soil , this thick shrub makes an imposing perimeter planting .
It is well known for get tough , square stem once used for aboriginal American arrows .
Find arrowwood genus Viburnum nowfrom Nature Hills Nursery .
Blackhaw
Blackhaw , Viburnum prunifolium , can tolerate part shade , but does best in full sunshine .
It is a large species that may be leave to its own devices to grow multiple stems , or it may be pruned into a unmarried - stem tree .
It grows proficient in Zones 3 to 9 . Expect yearly increase of 12 to 24 inches during maturation . At due date , heights pasture from 12 to 15 foot , and breadth are between eight and 12 foot .
Blackhaw is a good choice for informal hedge , with its thick branches and temporary contours .
Find blackhaw nowfrom Nature Hills Nursery .
These native species not only grace the landscape , they offer essentialhabitat for endemic wildlife , birds , andbeneficial pollinatorsas well .
Bodnant
Deciduous hybrid Bodnant , V.xbodnantense , has high fragrant tube-shaped pinkish blossoms .
It reaches heights of eight to 10 pes and widths of four to six metrical foot . It is best suit to Zones 5 to 7 .
Leatherleaf
Evergreen leatherleaf , V. rhytidophyllum , has thick - textured foliage , white blooms , and cherry fruits .
Its fledged dimensions are six to 10 foot improbable and wide . It spring up best in Zones 5 to 8 .
Mapleleaf
Mapleleaf , V. acerifolium , has lily-white flowers that are jolly diminished than those of other metal money .
However , its claim to fame are maple - folio - shaped foliage that shades to purplish - red in the fall , and clusters of inscrutable blue yield .
ripe dimensions are three to six invertebrate foot grandiloquent and two to four foot wide , making it a candidate for a big container . It support rich refinement and dry soil , and thrives in Zones 3 to 8 .
Nannyberry
Deciduous nannyberry , V. lentago , grow well in zona 2 to 8 . It has white flower in bounce , and in drop , its most noteworthy feature article is its long - survive bluish black fruit .
This type is unequaled in that it can grow as a multi - cauline bush with proportion of 14 to 16 feet tall and six to 12 foot wide , or it may be pruned to grow as a individual - stalk tree reaching up to 30 foot tall .
And last , commemorate that if you have one fruit - bearing bush , it ’s best to institute a different variety of the same mintage within 50 foot , to ensure cross - pollination and ample yield .
you may find bare root plantsavailable from Nature Hills Nursery .
desire More pick ?
Be sure to check out our guide , “ 25 of the Best Viburnum Varieties . ”
Managing Pests and Disease
Unlike some plants , genus Viburnum is not prone to pests or disease , and as mentioned , cervid do n’t generally favour it .
That being say , there are some blighter and disease to watch out out for .
Common gadfly include :
Most of these are leaf and sap - feed plague that may be treated with a firmspray of the hosiery , software of a horticultural fossil oil , such as neem , or an insecticidal soap .
The root weevil and genus Viburnum borer larvae may be eradicated with pyrethroid insecticides . The borer may also be addressed by trapping the fly adults before they regurgitate .
Some disease you may encounter are :
These are all fungous atmospheric condition that may be treated with appropriate antifungal . Note that some type of fungimay develop resistanceif these products are not rotated .
Read more about identifying and treating common viburnum diseases .
While there are certain blighter and diseases to be cognizant of , they may never pose a problem , especially if you remember to employ near garden practices , including :
Best Uses for Viburnum Bushes
There are many landscape painting options with a wide-ranging and various bush like viburnum .
Or , you may prefer to let a figure of shrubs naturalise in propinquity to one another for an intimate hedging that give privateness around a patio , or create a roadblock between properties .
low species and cultivars make excellent groundwork plantings that soften the toilsome edge of building . Larger 1 make excellent stand - alone specimens .
If you have a tree diagram canopy and lowly - visibility plantings , but nothing substantial growing in the mid - level region , viburnum may be the utter “ makeweight ” between the short and tall trees , shrub , and herbaceous plants in your landscape painting .
judge genus Viburnum in a miscellaneous pigeonholing with plants of a similar grow polish , such asazalea , beautyberry , camellia , creeping phlox , hosta , hydrangea , orwitch hazel .
Artistic options for uprise genus Viburnum admit pruning it like a tree with a single torso , by dispatch multiple fundament stems and removing the low branches from the remaining leader .
For small - stature varieties , you may try on your hand at domesticate a miniskirt - tree in a lot , by selectively pruning off lower branches to achieve the appearance ofa tree rose .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
Four-Season Interest
Viburnum shrubs add year - turn interest to the landscape , especially when you choose deciduous varieties that bear fruit and neglect colorful leaves .
Fragrant blossomsusher in springtime , and luxuriant green summertime foliage is the perfect background for seasonal annual and perennial .
summertime ’s end brings colorful leafage and berries that may cohere to the plants long into wintertime , adorning stark branches beneath a sugary dusting of snow .
If you ’re in a warm grow zone , you may savour continuous lustrous evergreen leaf .
For an understory attraction that repay growers with beauty , sum up genus Viburnum to yourgarden planner . It is an easygoing bush for all seasons .
If you retrieve this template informatory , and would wish to instruct about morespring - flowering shrub , we recommend the chase :
© expect the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . in the first place published on September 15th , 2021 . Last updated March 22nd , 2023 . Product photos via Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited picture : Shutterstock .
About
Nan Schiller
