Maintenance Landscaping Design

Japanese viburnum is a common ornamental shrub in east asia. it is prized for its beautiful white blossoms which appear in late spring or early summer. the shrub can grow to a height of six feet and has dark green leaves. japanese viburnum is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of most soil types.

Also called

• European cranberrybush
  
• guelder rose
  
• water elder
  
• cramp bark
  
• snowball bush

Things to Know

• The scientific name for japanese viburnum is Viburnum plicatum.
  
• It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family.
  
• It is native to East Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan.
  
• The plant is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to be 6-10 feet tall.
  
• It has opposite, simple leaves that are ovate-shaped and have toothed margins.
  
• The plant produces white flowers in clusters that bloom in the springtime.
  
• The fruit is a red drupe that ripens in the summer and is about ¼ inch in diameter.
  
• Japanese viburnum is often planted as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks.
  
• It is also used in bonsai culture.
  
• Some common pests and diseases that can affect japanese viburnum plants include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and scale.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

How to Grow

1. For japanese viburnum, first step is start from seed. You will need to purchase some japanese viburnum seeds from a nursery or online retailer.
   
2. Second step is to sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with a quality seed-starting mix.
   
3. Once the seeds have germinated, thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest one remains in each cell of the seed tray.
   
4. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with a good quality potting mix.
   
5. Put the pots in a bright, warm location and water them regularly so that the soil stays moist but not soggy.
   
6. Once the seedlings have grown into young plants, they can be transplanted into the garden.
   
7. Japanese viburnum prefer a location in full sun or partial shade.
   
8. Prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and deep as the pot the plant is currently growing in.
   
9. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the planting hole.
   
10. Backfill the planting hole with soil and water the plant well.

Related plant:
Japanese Yew Varieties

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best type for planting japanese viburnum is humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. It also prefers full sun to part shade location. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will turn brown and wilt. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot.

About light

Like the other types of viburnums, the Japanese viburnum does best in full sun to partial sun. It grows best in well-drained soil that is moist but not wet. This shrub is not particular about soil type and will do well in both sandy and clay soils. It is also tolerant of salt and drought.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the Japanese viburnum is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. TheJapanese viburnum can also tolerate periods of drought.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. The plant should be misted frequently to maintain the ideal humidity level. Japanese viburnum prefers a humid environment but it can tolerate dry conditions.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with organic matter worked into the soil prior to planting. After that, a top dressing of organic compost in spring is all that is needed. Regarding the roots, they are generally not aggressive and thus this plant is suitable for use in small gardens and borders.

About light

Pruning your japanese viburnum is important to keep the plant healthy and looking its best. You should prune in late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to grow new leaves. Start by trimming off any dead or dying branches. Then, cut back any overgrown branches, leaving the plant more compact and bushy. Finally, give the plant a overall shaping, trimming away any stray branches. With proper pruning, your japanese viburnum will thrive and provide you with beautiful blossoms each spring.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best carried out by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 10-15cm (4-6in) long and inserted into a propagator or a pot of moist well-drained seed compost placed in a propagating case or warm greenhouse. Bottom heat will speed up rooting.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate in the wild is quite slow, often taking several decades to reach full size. However, in cultivation, with regular watering and feeding, they can grow much faster, often doubling their size in just a few years. When grown as a hedge, they will usually need clipping at least once a year to keep them in shape.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, powdery mildew, and scale. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil, which leads to fungal growth. Powdery mildew is caused by warm, humid conditions, and scale is caused by insects that feed on the plant's sap.

Basics of Growing

• Make sure to plant your Japanese viburnum in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  
• Japanese viburnum prefers moist, well-drained soils.
  
• Add organic matter to the planting hole to help improve drainage.
  
• Stake taller varieties to help prevent wind damage.
  
• Prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove any damaged or dead branches.
  
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced granular fertilizer.
  
• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
  
• Mulch around the base of the plant to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  
• Watch for common pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, and leaf spot.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful blooms of Japanese viburnum in spring!

Related Plants

• Daphniphyllum himalayense (himalayan daphniphyllum)
  
• Daphniphyllum humile (daphniphyllum humile)
  
• Daphniphyllum lasiogyne (daphniphyllum lasiogyne)
  
• Daphniphyllum lumpsucker (daphniphyllum lumpsucker)
  
• Daphniphyllum longipetiolatum (daphniphyllum longipetiolatum)
  
• Daphniphyllum mastertonii (daphniphyllum mastertonii)
  
• Daphniphyllum menthoides (daphniphyllum menthoides)
  
• Daphniphyllum molle (daphn

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Search Results
Viburnums | UNL Gardens | Nebraska
Common Insect Pests of Viburnum - University of Kentucky