Viburnum Care
- Light. Viburnums prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade.
- Soil. These shrubs prefer fairly moist, well-drained soil, but they do not like to have their roots soaking in water.
- Water. A deep watering every week is usually sufficient, either through rainfall or irrigation. Native varieties that are well established have a moderately good tolerance for drought.
- Temperature and Humidity. Viburnums prefer moderate conditions, though the preferences vary greatly depending on species. ...
- Fertilizer. Most viburnums need little more than one application each year of a balanced, time-release fertilizer mixed into the soil in spring.
Do viburnum plants like sun or shade?
Viburnums prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade. These shrubs prefer fairly moist, well-drained soil, but they do not like to have their roots soaking in water. Viburnums like a slightly acidic soil but many types will tolerate alkaline soil.
Are viburnum plants prone to diseases?
Although most viburnums are not seriously troubled by diseases or pests, several problems can occur, particularly when plants are stressed or in poor growing conditions. A variety of fungal leaf spots and a bacterial leaf spot are fairly common on viburnums.
What does a viburnum look like when ripe?
Viburnums have berry-like fruits that vary in color Viburnum berries grow in densely-packed clusters of small round colorful fruits, which are actually tiny drupes. As the “berries” ripen on the shrub, they change color. Ripened viburnum berries can be bright red, deep purple-black, blue, neon-pink, or bright yellow.
Where should I plant my viburnum?
Most viburnums prefer full sun but many will also tolerate partial shade. While not particularly picky about their growing conditions, they generally prefer fertile, well-draining soil. Planting viburnum takes place in spring or fall. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball but at least two to three times wider.
Do viburnums like sun or shade?
sunViburnums are evergreen or deciduous, depending on the species and the location. Most prefer sun, but some do well in partial shade. Their hardiness is well suited to the cold winters of USDA hardiness zone 7. They are adaptable to a range of soil types and moisture conditions.
Do viburnums like lots of water?
Viburnum does not require a lot of watering except for when it is newly planted or during drought conditions. When newly planted, give the entire root ball area a deep soaking. After that, water two times a week or run your sprinklers 20-30 minutes twice a week.
How much sun do viburnum shrubs need?
full sunMost viburnums grow best in full sun but are just as content in light to partial shade. Except for a few varieties, noted in the chart Viburnums that excel from season to season, give them moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil with a pH from 5.6 to 6.6.
Is Miracle Grow good for viburnum?
Viburnums will grow in just about any type of soil, but they prefer slightly acidic, moist, but well-drained soil. Prepare the soil for each planting hole by blending equal amounts of Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Trees and Shrubs and existing soil to encourage strong root growth and give your viburnum a great start.
Why is my viburnum dying?
Both powdery mildew and downy mildew can result in brown viburnum leaves as the foliage dies. You'll see mildew diseases more often during times of humidity. Plants sited in shade suffer most from them. The tops of viburnum leaves infected by powdery mildew are covered with a powdery fungal growth.
What is the best fertilizer for viburnums?
Organic Fertilizer Later, alfalfa meal, compost, rotted manures and fish emulsion are all safe choices for fertilizing viburnums. Simply add a few shovelfuls of well-decomposed compost, manure or other amendments at regular intervals through the growing season to continue to nourish your viburnums.
Are viburnum fast growing?
Viburnum is a fast growing plant. It can grow anywhere from one foot to two feet per year. Growing to a wide range of heights from just under 3 feet and some species reaching 20 feet tall, spacing is important to consider.
Why are my viburnum leaves turning brown?
Viburnum leaves turn brown due to Sunburn. If you see brown spots on the leaves, it is due to Fungal leaf spots disease. Mildew diseases also cause leaves to turn brown. Viburnum is a genus of ~150 plants that are grown in gardens for their beautiful flowers.
Can viburnum grow in full shade?
All viburnums thrive in sun or part shade, and some grow well in complete shade. Viburnums include evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs. In spring, many viburnums bloom with large white to pink flower clusters, often followed by fruits loved by birds.
How long does a viburnum live?
between 50 and 150 yearsDead, Wilted, and Discolored Leaves How long can viburnum live? Depending upon the variety, viburnum can live between 50 and 150 years with proper care.
Should viburnum be deadheaded?
Even the lightest form of pruning, the removal of spent flowers called deadheading, isn't needed with most viburnums, since what you want is fruit after the flowers (unlike all that deadheading with lilacs, for instance, to prevent messiness).
Can viburnum grow in full shade?
All viburnums thrive in sun or part shade, and some grow well in complete shade. Viburnums include evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs. In spring, many viburnums bloom with large white to pink flower clusters, often followed by fruits loved by birds.
How big does a viburnum get?
Viburnums range from 3-foot-tall shrubs to 15-foot-tall trees. Here are some of our favorites. 'Blue Muffin' viburnum is a compact type of Arrowwood viburnum. It gets 4' to 7' tall and produces intense blue fruit in the fall.
How fast does viburnum grow?
1-2 feet per yearThe Sweet Viburnum growth rate is also why it's a favorite – it can grow 1-2 feet per year. The Sweet Viburnum height can grow very large – up to 25-30 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide at mature size making it a nice privacy hedge or windbreak.
What plants go well with viburnum?
Viburnums can be paired and planted with a host of companions, including:Peony.Clematis.Lavender.Iris.Lilac.Hydrangea.Salvia.Hosta.More items...
What is a viburnum?
Viburnums work well as hedges, or in mass groupings, and also make interesting specimen plants or anchors in borders. Most viburnums have either white or pinkish flowers which are sometimes fragrant. The fragrant varieties are native to Asia.
How tall does a viburnum grow?
However, most viburnums are not self-pollinating and will require another variety to cross-pollinate in order to yield fruit. Viburnum can grow to be 20 feet tall! Botanical Name. Viburnum spp.
Why are viburnums so popular?
The fact that few pests bother viburnums is one of the reasons they have become so popular in the landscape. In 1947 the viburnum leaf beetle (VLB) arrived in Canada, and made its way to New York state in 1996. The VLB, Pyrrhalta viburni (Paykull), is capable of great damage and is being closely watched. The best way to combat viburnum leaf beetles is to remove egg-infested leaves and to encourage predatory insects. Some organic pesticides are also effective, but avoid synthetic pesticides, which also kill beneficial insects.
How many varieties of viburnum are there?
Viburnums have long been one of the most popular flowering landscape shrubs, with more than 150 species available, including deciduous, evergreen, and semi-evergreens shrubs. With an almost infinite number of cultivars available, you can find a one to suit any garden—wet or dry, sun or shade, natural or formal, shrub or tree, native or exotic.
When do viburnums bloom?
For most viburnum shrubs, bloom times span from early spring through June, followed by attractive fruit and outstanding fall foliage.
When does hobblebush bloom?
This variety produces white flowers in late June, followed by clusters of round drupes. 'Hobblebush' ( Viburnum lantanoides ): Formerly known as Viburnum alnifolium, this variety grows in USDA hardiness zone 4 to 7. It achieves a maximum height of about 8 feet with a spread of 12 feet.
Can viburnum be grown from seed?
Growing viburnum from seed can be done, but it's a laborious process. Most experts suggesting propagating from cuttings instead.
How to grow viburnum in a bed?
Most viburnums grow well when planted in moist, rich and slightly acidic soil ( pH 5.5 to 6.5 ). Incorporate organic soil conditioner at planting, so that the future root area of the planting bed contains 10 to 20 percent organic matter. Mulch the plants or bed with 4 to 6 inches of pine straw or 2 to 3 inches of bark.
How tall are viburnums?
Viburnums range in height from 2 feet to 30 feet. Their flowers range from sweetly fragrant to unpleasantly scented and are primarily creamy white, but can vary from white to pink. The individual florets grow in clusters usually found at the ends of branches.
What is the color of viburnum leaves?
Fall coloration is an attractive feature of viburnums with leaf colors ranging from a glossy red to scarlet or purple. The leaves are always arranged opposite one another on the stems. Colorful fruit contribute to fall color on many species.
What family is a snowball viburnum?
Description. Previously viburnums were included in the plant family Caprifoliaceae; however, recently they have been moved into the family Adoxaceae, along with elderberries ( Sambucus species). Muted red fall color of fragrant snowball viburnum Viburnum x carlecephalum ‘Cayuga’.
What are the berries on a viburnum?
Brightly colored fall berries are a feature of many viburnums, as with this Viburnum wrightii. This large group of plants consists of more than 150 species and numerous named cultivars. Viburnums include deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees, mostly native to North America or to Asia.
How fast do viburnums grow?
Viburnums are mostly moderate- to fast-growing plants. They can grow from 1 foot to more than 2 feet per year. Compact species and cultivars may be slower growing.
When does Bodnant Viburnum bloom?
Bodnant viburnum ( Viburnum x bodnantense) in bloom in late December.
Common Viburnum Diseases
Fortunately, viburnum is generally resistant to most diseases. Infected plants typically have been weakened by improper care or are in poor health otherwise.
1. Algal Leaf Spot
As its name indicates, this disease causes an infection that shows symptoms on the leaves. The spots start out small and pale green before becoming reddish or light brown. They often have feathered edges and look like they are slightly raised.
2. Armillaria Root Rot
Unfortunately, species of Armillaria (the honey mushroom) are found in soils throughout the world, and may cause fatal infections on a variety of trees and shrubs, including viburnum.
3. Botryosphaeria Canker
This fungal infection is serious, but fortunately it only afflicts shrubs that are already in poor health.
4. Downy Mildew
This is a disease that doesn’t kill its host, but it can be debilitating on viburnum.
5. Fungal Leaf Spots
While these diseases can be unsightly, they generally do not cause serious problems on viburnums.
6. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by Erysiphe sparsa fungi, which will appear as white, powdery growth on the top of the leaves of young plants, and sometimes the undersides as well. It typically causes little damage. However, severe infections can cause the newly developing leaves to become deformed.
What is Viburnum?
Viburnum is a genus of shrubby plants in the family Adoxaceae. There are around 150 species of viburnum trees, shrubs, and hedge plants. Depending on the climate and species, viburnum can be evergreen or deciduous plants that thrive in full sun.
How tall do viburnums grow?
Viburnum shrubs grow between 3 and 20 ft. (1 – 6 m) tall. Because of their bushy growth, viburnum plants are ideal as hedge plants, specimen plants, or mixed border shrubs. Smaller varieties of viburnum are perfect for growing in containers at entrance ways, on patios, or decks.
How tall do maple leaf viburnums grow?
Mapleleaf viburnums are small shrubs that grow between 4 and 6 ft. (1.6 – 1.8 m). Like most viburnum species, the maple leaf variety thrives in full sun, well-draining soil, and USDA zones 4 through 8.
What leaves come in different shapes?
Viburnum leaves come in different shapes. On the left image: autumn foliage
What are the flowers on a viburnum bush?
The flowers on viburnum bushes are usually conical, spherical, or domed shapes.
Why are my viburnum berries turning black?
Sweet viburnum berries are red as they ripen and gradually turn black when fully ripe.
What is the difference between viburnum and other shrubs?
One of the identifying features of many viburnum shrubs is their horizontally tiered branching growth. Some viburnum bush types may have rounded growth , whereas other shrubs have a flat top.
How big do viburnums get?
A few dwarf varieties, such as Viburnum opulus ‘Nanum’, are under 3 feet. Others, such as Seibold viburnum ( V. seiboldii ), may grow up to 20 feet tall. Most viburnums also have a full spreading habit. Some viburnums can become medium-size trees, especially if they are pruned.
What is the color of viburnum leaves?
Most viburnums in cultivation have reliably attractive foliage. Leaves vary in size, texture, and color. Foliage may be rounded or lance-shape, and entire or toothed around the edges. Most deciduous viburnums have great fall color, ranging from yellow to red to burgundy, depending on the species or cultivar. But mapleleaf viburnum ( V. acerfolium) is hard to beat, turning purple to rosy in the fall. This is also a shrub that could help you out in those dry, shady spots.
What is a burkwood viburnum?
The buds, often shaped like small nuts, are usually attractive as well. The list of outstanding flowering viburnums is long, but I want to mention just a few. Burkwood viburnum ( V. × burkwoodii ), semi-evergreen in a mild winter, is extremely fragrant and has many cultivars.
What are the flowers of a vivalum?
Viburnums have two major types of flower heads: flat-topped clusters of flowers that resemble lacecap hydrangeas, and snowball types, with globe- or dome-shape flower clusters. Viburnum flowers range from creamy white to pink. The buds, often shaped like small nuts, are usually attractive as well.
What is a viburnum standard?
A viburnum standard can create height in the back of a border or in pots on each side of a terrace entrance, underplanted with annuals. Varieties that look good as standards are: V. plicatum var. tomentosum ‘Newport’, V. carlesii ‘Compactum’, and V. × bodnantense ‘Dawn’.
What is the best shrub for shade?
If you need a reliable shrub for deep shade with moist soil, consider hobblebush viburnum ( V. alnifolium, also known as V. lantanoides ). Hiking in New Hampshire recently, I came across the loveliest stand of hobblebush I’ve ever seen. Limbs that had fallen on the ground had taken root and formed a colony. Nannyberry viburnum ( V. lentago) is another native that enjoys moist shade, but it can also adapt to sun and dry soil. It has creamy-white lacecap flowers in mid- to late May here in Connecticut. Its fruit—1/2-inch drupes—turns shades of yellow, rose, pink, and finally, bluish-black. Sometimes all shades are showing at once.
What is a blackhaw viburnum?
A close kin to these two natives is blackhaw viburnum ( V. prunifolium ). While it prefers dry feet, it’s adaptable to many soil types, and to sunny and shady sites. Its dark-green foliage turns purplish-red in fall, and its fruit turns from pink to bluish-black, with a waxy, gray bloom. I find it makes a great small, single-stem tree.
What is a viburnum shrub?
Email. The Spruce / Autumn Wood. If you're looking for a flowering shrub that will add beauty to your landscape, one of the popular viburnum shrubs may be a great addition. The Viburnum genus is found within the Adoxaceae family of plants, though it used to be in the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family.
What is the name of the white flower that a viburnum produces?
Many viburnums put on a showy display, producing white (sometimes tinged with pink) flowers in clusters called corymbs. Most species are dioecious (or at least functionally dioecious, meaning that cross-pollination with another variety or species is needed for pollination to occur) with a few being monoecious.
What is a burkwood viburnum?
The Burkwood viburnum, also known as snowball viburnum, was produced when the Korean spice viburnum ( Viburnum carlesii) and the service viburnum ( Viburnum utile) were crossed. This species features large, balled flower clusters full of fragrance. You may want to plant several of these shrubs together, which will translate to better pollination ...
What is the name of the shrub with pink flowers?
The leaves on the laurustinus viburnum are much like those of the bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis ), prompting the common name. This beautiful evergreen shrub has glossy dark-green foliage, a light fragrance, and pink-white flowers. In warmer areas, it will bloom during the winter.
How to train Henry's viburnum?
Henry's viburnum shrub can be trained into a small tree by pruning away competing leaders to establish a single trunk. This moderately fast-growing shrub was discovered by botanist Augustine Henry. Its evergreen leaves are reddish when young and shift to green, and this plant is especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.
What is the name of the Jesuit viburnum?
The David is a smaller evergreen viburnum, named for the Jesuit missionary, Jean Pierre Armand David, who discovered it. It has glossy, dark leaves and small white flowers that lead to small turquoise-blue fruit. Avoid placing the David viburnum in full sun with a southern exposure because it might burn the leaves. 2
How many species of viburnum are there?
Here are 12 popular species of viburnum, sure to make a lovely addition to your landscape.
Growing guide
All the information you need to grow and care for viburnum in your garden.
Viburnum we recommend
The RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) helps gardeners choose the best plants for their garden.
Cultivation
Types
- Most viburnums have either white or pinkish flowers which are sometimes fragrant. The fragrant varieties that are most familiar in the landscape are native to Asia. The flowers themselves come in three major types:
Reproduction
- Almost all viburnums produce attractive clusters of fruits that are popular with birds, wildlife, and humans. However, most viburnums are not self-pollinating and will require another variety to cross-pollinate in order to yield fruit.
Uses
- Viburnums work great as hedges or in mass groupings and also make interesting specimen plants or anchors in borders.
Varieties
- You will find an ever-increasing number of viburnum varieties to choose from. Here are some time-tested choices to consider:
Description
- It has dark-green leaves with dark blue fruit and has tiny, tubular white flowers borne on the stem tips. This plant requires both a male and female in order to bear fruit.
Health
- Viburnums native to North America dont possess the intense, spicy fragrance of their Asian cousins. However, they do offer a fabulous fall display and abundant fruit clusters, popular with birds and wildlife. Most are tough enough for hostile urban environments and many are xeric or drought tolerant. As with all viburnums, they are bothered by few ...
Ecology
- Maple-leafed viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium): This plant grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, and achieves a height of 3 to 6 feet with a 4-foot spread. Maple-leafed viburnum populates woodlands from New Brunswick to North Carolina, but it is not an aggressive grower and is fine in a border planting. Its canopy is open and casts only dappled shade. It is a good choice for a dry …
Description
Growth Rate
- Viburnums are mostly moderate- to fast-growing plants. They can grow from 1 foot to more than 2 feet per year. Compact species and cultivars may be slower growing.
Landscape Use
- Viburnums are excellent hedge or screen plants, foundation shrubs or specimen plants, depending on the mature height of the selection.
Cultivation
- Most viburnums grow well when planted in moist, rich and slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). Incorporate organic soil conditioner at planting, so that the future root area of the planting bed contains 10 to 20 percent organic matter. Mulch the plants or bed with 4 to 6 inches of pine straw or 2 to 3 inches of bark. Plants should be spaced at least 4 to 10 feet apart, depending on the m…
Problems
- Although most viburnums are not seriously troubled by diseases or pests, several problems can occur, particularly when plants are stressed or in poor growing conditions. A variety of fungal leaf spots and a bacterial leaf spot are fairly common on viburnums. Aphids, thrips, spider mites, scale, root weevils and plant parasitic nematodes can be prob...
Species & Cultivars
- The genus Viburnumis immense, and choosing the right selection for your garden is not easy. Listed below are some common species and their cultivars. Viburnumspecies vary considerably in where they will thrive in South Carolina. Best locations for the different species are listed as Piedmont, Central (Midlands) or Coastal Plains.
Deciduous Viburnums
- Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium):Native to the mountains and upper Piedmont of South Carolina, this species grows slowly to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and has dark green leaves with three lobes, like maple leaves. This species has excellent fall color with leaves turning bright pink to reddish purple in fall. The late-spring flowers are creamy white, flat-topped clusters, up t…
Evergreen & Semi-Evergreen Viburnums
- Awabuki Viburnum (V. awabuki):Awabuki viburnum grows in a strongly upright form, 15 to 20 feet tall by 10 to 15 feet wide. It has very thick, very shiny, narrow 3-to 7-inch-long by ½-to 2-inch-wide leaves with distinct teeth. Berries are bright red. It grows in sun or shade, in well drained soil. Plants have good drought resistance and make an excellent screen. It is best grown in the Midla…
Viburnum Species Identification
- An excellent web site from Cornell University for identification of viburnum species is: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/key/index.html