How to Grow Judd Viburnum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Judd viburnum is a large shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit is a blackberry-like drupe that is edible and often used in jams and jellies. Judd viburnum is native to the southeastern United States and is a popular landscaping plant.

How to Grow Judd Viburnum - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Judd's Viburnum
  • American cranberrybush
  • black haw
  • wayfaring tree
  • guelder rose

Things to Know

  • Judd viburnum is a shrub that is native to North America.
  • It is named after botanist Dr. Jonathan Judd.
  • Judd viburnum is part of the Viburnum genus which contains around 150 species.
  • This species is deciduous, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall.
  • Judd viburnum grows to be 6-10 feet tall and wide.
  • It has broad, ovate leaves that are dark green in color.
  • The shrub produces white, flat-topped flowers in the spring.
  • Judd viburnum is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions.
  • It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not require much pruning.
  • This shrub can be used in a variety of landscape settings such as foundation plantings, hedges, and screening.

Related plant:
Viburnum Juddii

Planting Process

  1. For judd viburnum, first step is to purchase healthy and vigorous plants from a reputable nursery.
  2. Choose a planting site that has well-drained soil and receives full sun to partial shade.
  3. Prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the plant.
  4. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the planting hole.
  5. Backfill the planting hole with the removed soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Water the plant deeply and apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.
  7. Fertilize the plant once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  8. Prune judd viburnum in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
  9. Judd viburnum is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but watch for scale, aphids and leaf spot.
  10. Enjoy the fragrant flowers and fall color of your judd viburnum!

Related plant:
Juddi Viburnum

The Soil

About soil condition, Judd viburnum grows best in rich, well-drained soil, but it is quite tolerant of average soils. It does not do well in wet or poorly drained soils. Judd viburnum can be affected by a number of soilborne pathogens, including Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora root rot, and Verticillium wilt.

Light condition

Similar to other viburnums, the Judd viburnum does best when planted in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant, so it's perfect for busy gardeners. Once established, it doesn't need much water or fertilizer.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that are best for Judd viburnum growth are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does not tolerate freezing temperatures well. If the temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may suffer from leaf damage. If the temperature stays below freezing for an extended period of time, the plant may die.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 70%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is known to be rather forgiving. In terms of timing, it is best to fertilize just before growth begins in the spring. For those who want to use organic fertilizer, compost is an excellent choice. As far as application, general guidelines would be to use 1 cup per plant. If you are unsure, it is always better to err on the side of using less, as too much fertilizer can lead to problems such as burning the roots.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Judd viburnum healthy and looking its best. You should prune early in the spring, before new growth begins. remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any crossed or rubbing branches. You can also shape the plant by pruning to create a desired look.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Judd viburnum can be accomplished by seed, softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. Seed should be collected as soon as the fruit ripens and sown immediately. If seed is not available, softwood or semi-ripe cuttings can be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and placed in a rooting hormone before being inserted into well-drained soil.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate . They grow anywhere from 1 to 2 feet per year, reaching a mature height of 15-20 feet. In some cases, judd viburnum has been known to grow up to 4 feet in a single year. The judd viburnum is a versatile plant that can be used in a number of different ways in the landscape.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include insect pests and diseases. Insect pests include scale, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticide sprays. Diseases that can affect judd viburnum plants include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem blight. These diseases can be controlled with fungicide sprays.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to plant your Judd viburnum in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Be sure to water your Judd viburnum regularly, especially when the plant is young.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your Judd viburnum every spring using a well-balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant as needed to remove any dead or damaged branches.
  • Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests or disease and take action as needed.
  • Keep an eye on the soil moisture level and water accordingly.
  • Harvest the berries when they are ripe and use them in recipes or make a jelly or jam.
  • Enjoy the beauty of your Judd viburnum plant as it blooms each spring!
  • Share your tips for growing Judd viburnum with other gardeners!

Similar Plants

  • Judd's viburnum (Viburnum juddii)
  • Judd's Viburnum (Viburnum Juddii)
  • Judd viburnum (Viburnum juddii)
  • Judd Viburnum (Viburnum Juddii)
  • Judd viburnums (Viburnum juddii)
  • Judd viburnums (Viburnum juddii)
  • Judd viburnum tree (Viburnum juddii)
  • Judd's American serviceberry (Amelanchier juddii)
  • Juddiales (Juddiales radiculosa)
  • Juddia (Juddia bicolor)

Source:
Viburnums for Iowa | Horticulture and Home Pest News
Viburnum x juddii Judd viburnum - University of Illinois Urbana …
Viburnum leaves -- Viburnum leaf beetle - CALS

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category