Viburnum Fertilizing Tips
- Viburnum will grow well without a lot of fertilizer
- A well-balanced slow release fertilizer works well
- Moderately acid to slightly alkaline soil between 5.5 and 8 is ideal
- Complete a soil test to determine soil quality
- Too much nitrogen results in less blooms
How do you fertilize a viburnum plant?
The nitrogen helps viburnums grow lush foliage, while the phosphorus encourages healthy root, stem, flower and fruit growth. Potassium helps viburnums and other plants absorb those nutrients. If using granular fertilizer, sprinkle the granules on the dirt above the roots, then water thoroughly to flush the fertilizer through the soil.
What nutrients does a viburnum need to grow?
The nitrogen helps viburnums grow lush foliage, while the phosphorus encourages healthy root, stem, flower and fruit growth. Potassium helps viburnums and other plants absorb those nutrients.
How do I choose the best Viburnum fruit?
For the best fruit display, plant two or more of the same species. Most viburnums are self-incompatible, which means they need a little genetic variability to fruit well. Love them? Buy them!
What's eating my Viburnum leaves?
What’s Eating My Viburnum? A skeletonized viburnum leaf is a sure sign of viburnum leaf beetle. If the leaves of your viburnums look like they’ve gone through a leaf shreader, you can be sure they’re under attack from the viburnum leaf beetle ( Pyrrhalta viburni ), This small, elongated beetle is native to Europe and Asia.
When should I fertilize viburnum?
springViburnums are not heavy feeders, but can benefit from a once a year fertilization in the spring. When well established, it can do fine without any feeding. If you would like to boost blooming and foliage color, you can feed the viburnum a slow release tree and shrub formula just after it blooms.
How do you rejuvenate viburnum?
How to Prune ViburnumMaintenance Pruning - helps to control shape and size. Cut it back just above the nodes so the plant can produce new shoots. ... Pruning to Thin Out - removing old damaged branches. Cut off damaged or crowded branches. ... Hard Pruning - Cutting the shrub down to the ground. Leave stronger stems in place.
Are viburnums acid loving?
Viburnums will grow in just about any type of soil, but they prefer slightly acidic, moist, but well-drained soil.
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.
Why is my viburnum dying?
Sweet viburnum requires moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates drought, but sustained drought leads to wilting and foliage loss. At the other extreme, poor drainage and soggy soil lead to root rot diseases, mineral toxicities and deficiencies, and insect infestations. Bacterial and fungal diseases also result.
What is killing my viburnum?
Armored scales, such as the oystershell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi), can infest viburnum and cause branch dieback. If the infestation is severe enough, they may kill the shrub. The oystershell scale can overwinter as full-grown females that are attached to the bark or as eggs that are beneath the adult scale covering.
Should I Feed viburnum?
Viburnums need little or no regular feeding in most garden soils. However, to encourage strong new growth, you can feed them annually in early spring. Simply sprinkle a general fertiliser such as Growmore or fish, blood and bone around the plant at the rate recommended on the packet.
Why are my viburnum leaves turning yellow?
Thank you for contacting us regarding your Viburnum. It's hard to determine exactly what went wrong with your plant. But in general, Yellowing leaves with venation is normally indicating iron deficiency, which may caused by high soil pH. You can supply Iron Chelate by either watering in the soil or foliage spray.
How do you take care of viburnum?
When it comes to viburnum care, water shrubs during dry periods. It will also help to add mulch to retain moisture. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer to viburnums as well but this isn't required. In addition, pruning the shrub should be included with viburnum care.
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.
Does viburnum 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.
Why is my viburnum not growing?
Another common cause for non-flowering viburnums is improper pruning. Viburnum shrubs are one of the many ornamental shrubs that blooms on old wood, so waiting until after blooming to prune is recommended. Trimming them during dormancy will result in the loss of all or many of the flower-producing buds.
Does viburnum grow back?
Never fear cutting a viburnum. Even if you prune in the wrong season, you won't kill the plant. You may miss a season of flowering, but the following year, it'll be rejuvenated and back in its glory, filled with white and pink flowers that decorate your landscape.
Can you cut back viburnum?
Typically, viburnum shrubs should be trimmed back about a third of their size each year. Most pruning is done for shaping purposes only. However, old or overgrown shrubs may require some rejuvenation. Thinning out of unsightly branches can help open these shrubs up as well.
How do I look after a viburnum?
When it comes to viburnum care, water shrubs during dry periods. It will also help to add mulch to retain moisture. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer to viburnums as well but this isn't required. In addition, pruning the shrub should be included with viburnum care.
How do you prune a viburnum bush?
To shape a viburnum, prune it lightly immediately after flowering. Remove the flower heads and cut back any branches that spoil the shape of the shrub to a pair of newly-sprouted leaves. Remember that removing the flower heads will preclude the formation of fruit, which can be very attractive in many viburnums.
What is the best soil for a viburnum plant?
Hardy in zones 2 to 9, it is easy to find one that will thrive in your garden. These shrubs can grow well in average garden soil, but prefer slightly alkaline soil (7.0).
Why is it important to fertilize viburnum?
It is important to apply the correct fertilizer which will help promote healthy foliage and flowering. Less is more when it comes to fertilizing viburnum. Too much nitrogen in the soil will make your shrub put out a lot of foliage growth and very few blooms.
What pH should I fertilize viburnum?
How to Fertilize Viburnum. Most varieties of viburnum grow best in moderately acid to slightly alkaline soil between 5.5 and 8.0. The soil pH preference should be listed on the label of the plant species that you purchase.
How deep does a viburnum root grow?
The root system of viburnum can grow 18 inches deep or more, but the feeder roots responsible for absorbing water and nutrients are in the top 12 inches of soil. Spreading fertilizer on the surface of the soil will reach the feeder roots.
Can viburnums be fed?
Viburnums are not heavy feeders, but can benefit from a once a year fertilization in the spring. When well established, it can do fine without any feeding . If you would like to boost blooming and foliage color, you can feed the viburnum a slow release tree and shrub formula just after it blooms.
Can viburnums be planted without fertilizer?
Due to its hardiness, viburnums can do without fertilizing unless there is a deficiency in the soil it is planted in. A simple soil test can determine what nutrients are lacking in your soil. Viburnums like well drained acidic soil. Too much nitrogen in the soil can result in a lot of vegetative growth and very few blooms. An annual application of a balanced commercial fertilizer will make your viburnum happy, but be careful of adding too much nitrogen.
What kind of soil does Viburnum prefer?
Cultural Preferences. Soil Preferences. Most Viburnum varieties tolerate a wide range of soils, however prefers a moist, but well-drained soil. That said, some Viburnum varieties might tolerate moist or dry soils better than others.
How to test pH of Viburnum?
You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil.
How to fill a container with soil?
Step 1. Before filling your container with the soil mix, I suggest lining the inside bottom of the container with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric. This will keep the drain holes from becoming stopped up with soil. If you use gravel or other materials in the bottom of the container lay the fabric over it.
How to raise pH in soil?
To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.
Can a Viburnum plant get root rot?
Constantly soggy soil can and often will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases. When planting a Viburnum in a pot or other container, I suggest using a quality potting soil or potting mix, or a 50/50 combination thereof, in a container with a drainage hole(s).
Do you need to prune a viburnum?
Just make sure to check soil moisture before watering. How To Prune Viburnum Plants. Viburnums do not require pruning, however plants can be pruned for shaping, to control size, or to remove damaged or dead branches. Taller growing Viburnum varieties can be pruned to form very attractive small trees.
4. How Do I Fertilize Viburnum?
If you want to fertilize viburnum there are several important tips you should follow:
5. When Should I Fertilize Viburnum?
When you should fertilize viburnum depends on the viburnum you grow (annual or perennial), when the viburnum blooms, and the fertilizer you use.
6. How Often Should I Fertilize My Viburnum?
How often you should fertilize your viburnum depends on the fertilizer and soil.
7. How Do I Know if My Viburnum Need Fertilizer?
You will know if your viburnum need fertilizer if you observe one of the following:
8. What Alternatives to Fertilizers Can I Apply to Viburnum?
If you do not want to use retail or commercial flower fertilizers then you can use the below alternatives. These alternatives will not only help your plant but the soil around it:
What is the best foliage for a viburnum?
There are also viburnum shrubs that are commonly grown for their fall foliage or berries. Among the best foliage shrubs are Arrowwood and Linden arrowwood, both producing attractive purplish red leaves. The Tea viburnum is a deciduous species with blue-green foliage.
What is a viburnum shrub?
Also commonly referred to as cranberry bush, viburnums are often used as ornamental fixtures in the home landscape. They are used in shrub borders or as hedges and screening. The larger varieties of viburnum shrub also make excellent focal points as specimen plantings.
How tall do viburnums grow?
Viburnums are a group of large-flowering shrubs, with some varieties reaching up to 20 feet (6 m.). There are both evergreen and deciduous viburnum shrubs. Many have either white or pink blooms in early spring.
What is the color of tea viburnum?
The Tea viburnum is a deciduous species with blue-green foliage. Alleghany viburnum is dark green but occasionally turns purple in fall, remaining throughout winter. Types of viburnums with interesting berry color include those that change as they ripen from green to pink, yellow, or red to blue or black.
Do viburnums like full sun?
When planting viburnum shrubs, pay attention to the individual needs of the particular species. 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.
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.
What is the best way to kill viburnum leaf beetles?
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 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.
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.
Is viburnum hardy?
The U.S. National Arboretum has done extensive breeding to create many hardy, pest-resistant varieties. There is no single type of viburnum foliage. It can be rounded, lance-shaped or toothed, smooth, velvety, or rough.
Do viburnums transplant well?
In general, viburnums are not terribly particular about where they grow, though they prefer fairly rich, moist soil. Viburnums do not transplant well once established, so the best strategy is to plant well-established container-grown plants and take care to choose a location where the shrub will have room to grow.
Do viburnums like acidic soil?
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.
What to do with a new viburnum bush?
If you are going to choose a new viburnum bush to plant in your landscape, choose one of the most resistant varieties. If you already have one of the more susceptible varieties in your landscape, pay special attention to it and keep an eye out for injury caused by this pest.
What insecticides kill viburnum leaf beetles?
Products containing carbaryl (Sevin) as the active ingredient or one of the pyrethroid insecticides (cyfluthrin, permethrin, resmethrin) are highly effective as foliar sprays, though also more toxic to other insects.
What is causing leaf damage to a viburnum?
Some of them brought samples or sent a photograph. In each case, the leaf damage appeared to be caused by an invasive insect called the viburnum leaf beetle, Pyrrhalta viburni. In early June 2019, one client arriving with a sample of holey leaves and live viburnum leaf beetle larvae, said the larvae had “devoured all the leaves on my [arrowwood] viburnum last spring and are doing it again this year.”
What insecticides can be used to kill VLB?
Insecticide choices. Insecticidal soaps, spinosad, or chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) can help control the VLB pest with reduced harm to beneficial insects. These pesticides work best when applied to larvae early in the life cycle, likely in late April or early May.
Where do VLB larvae feed?
Starting in late April, the younger greenish-yellow VLB larvae feed gregariously on the underside of tender, newly expanding viburnum leaves, skeletonizing the foliage.
When will viburnum beetle be back?
Now in 2020, the viburnum leaf beetle larvae are back again. If you have any viburnum shrubs now is a good time to look for feeding damage that may vary from a small patch of stripped leaves to what one client reported: “they destroyed 21 plants this past week [in late May].”.
Where is the Viburnum leaf beetle found?
It has now been found in many locations in the southern half of the lower peninsula of Michigan and is expected to spread across the entire state.
When do viburnum beetles start eating?
In early to mid-June, they drop to the ground at the base of the shrub and begin pupating just below the soil. Adult viburnum beetle. Towards the end of June or in July, the adults emerge, climb back onto the shrub and start eating the leaves in their turn.
What is the primary host of viburnum leaf beetles?
Both adults and larvae feed on viburnum leaves, ensuring a long season of continuing damage. The beetle’s primary host is the guelder rose or European highbush cranberry, Viburnum opulus, especially the highly popular snowball ...
What is a skeletonized viburnum leaf?
A skeletonized viburnum leaf is a sure sign of viburnum leaf beetle. If the leaves of your viburnums look like they’ve gone through a leaf shreader, you can be sure they’re under attack from the viburnum leaf beetle ( Pyrrhalta viburni ), This small, elongated beetle is native to Europe and Asia. It was accidentally imported into North America in ...
What is the host plant for beetles?
The beetle’s primary host is the guelder rose or European highbush cranberry, Viburnum opulus, especially the highly popular snowball bush ( Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, also sold under the name V. opulus ‘Sterilis’), with its rounded balls of flowers.
When do viburnum larvae hatch?
They look like small yellow to pale green caterpillars covered with black dots, measuring only 10-11 mm long.
Does lantana have viburnum beetles?
As for my variegated lantana viburnum ( V. lantana ‘Variegatum’, although listed as moderately susceptibly by experts, it it has viburnum beetles, the damage must be really minor, as I’ve never noticed it. So I just let it grow.
Viburnums
More than 150 plants make up the Viburnum genus, and you can find them in many parts of the world -- North and South America, Mediterranean areas and Southeast Asia. When these woody plants grow in colder northern climates, they are deciduous; but in areas with mild winters, they are classified as evergreen or semi-evergreen.
Fertilizing
Snowball Viburnums need fertilizers, and the three main ingredients – nitrogen, phosphorous and potash – all support plants in different ways and are expressed as a series of three numbers (e.g., 10-15-10). The first indicates the amount of nitrogen in the mixture and it supports good leaf growth.
Growing Preferences
Beyond their beauty, Chinese Snowballs are tolerant plants. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 9, Snowballs produce more flowers when grown in full sun, but partial shade works well, too. As long as the soil is moist and well-drained, clay, sand or loam all work well as does a pH ranging from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline.
Location
Without pruning, Chinese Snowball Vibernums can grow to showcase-size in your yard. With periodic pruning, a row of Snowball plants or Snowballs mixed with other shrubs can provide a beautiful visual screen for your yard or hedge. If you opt for pruning, cut back no more than half the bush in the fall or very early spring.
FAST GROWING SCREEN
Dense and upright with fragrant white spring flowers followed by showy red fruit. Partial to full sun. Fast to 10 ft. tall and wide. Semi-evergreen. Zone: 5 – 8
FLOWERY BORDER
Has it all–fragrant flowers, bright berries, fall foliage. (Plant where you can enjoy scent.) Partial to full sun. Slow up to 6 ft. tall and wide. Deciduous. Zone: 4 – 8
TRAFFIC-STOPPING SPECIMEN
Wedding cake like layers of flowery horizontal branches. Partial to full sun. Up to 8 ft. tall and wide. Deciduous. Zone: 5 – 8
ONE-POT WONDER
Lovely choice for warmer zones, compact size is useful for containers or borders. Fragrant flowers. Partial to full sun. Up to 6 ft. tall and wide. Evergreen. Zone: 7 – 11
SPECTACULAR HEDGE
For a most unexpected, dense, glossy hedge. Fragrant late-spring flowers, fall berries. Partial to full sun. Up to 12 ft. tall and 8 ft. wide. Evergreen. Zone: 7 – 11
Know It, Grow It!
Highly adaptable but thrives in organically rich, slightly acidic well-drained soils with consistent moisture.