Maintenance Landscaping Design

Maple leaf viburnum is a popular landscaping shrub because of its attractive foliage and dramatic fall color. The leaves are three-lobed and turn brilliant red in the fall. The flowers are small, white, and borne in clusters. The fruit is a black berry.

Also called

• Arrowwood viburnum
  
• Nannyberry viburnum
  
• Maple-leaved viburnum
  
• American highbush cranberry
  
• Cranberry bush

Good to Know

• Mapleleaf viburnum is a deciduous shrub native to North America.
  
• It typically grows to 6-12 feet tall and wide.
  
• The leaves are 3-6 inches long, maple-like in shape, and turn yellow, red, or purple in the fall.
  
• The flowers are small, white, and borne in clusters in late spring.
  
• The fruit is a black drupe, ripening in late summer and early fall.
  
• Mapleleaf viburnum is valuable in the landscape as a specimen plant, hedge, or foundation planting.
  
• It is relatively easy to grow, tolerant of a range of soils and conditions, and resistant to most pests and diseases.
  
• Deer and other browsing animals generally avoid it.
  
• It can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or division.
  
• Mapleleaf viburnum is a food source for a variety of birds and other wildlife.

Related plant:
Amur Maple Shrub

How to Grow

1. For maple leaf viburnum, first step is to find a suitable location. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the soil. It prefers well-drained, moist soil.
   
3. The third step is to plant the viburnum.
   
4. The fourth step is to water regularly and keep the soil moist.
   
5. The fifth step is to fertilize monthly.
   
6. The sixth step is to prune annually to shape and remove dead branches.
   
7. The seventh step is to enjoy the beautiful maple leaf shaped leaves and fragrant flowers!

Related plant:
Japanese Maple Bush

The Soil

About soil condition, the maple leaf viburnum thrives in moist, well-drained soils, but it is quite adaptable and tolerates a wide range of soils, from dry to wet. It also prefers a slightly acidic soil, but it is not fussy about pH. This shrub is quite tolerant of salt, making it a good choice for coastal sites.

About light

Similar to other viburnums, the Mapleleaf viburnum does best in full sun to partial shade. It grows well in average, moist, well-drained soils, but can tolerate a wide range of soils including clay. This shrub is tolerant of black walnut trees.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for the maple leaf viburnum is ideal if it is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does not do well in temperatures that are below 60 degrees or above 80 degrees. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and desiccate. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will turn black and drop off the plant.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%, but it can survive in 40-60% range. It does best in morning sun and afternoon shade, but can also tolerate full sun. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this plant does well with a general-purpose fertilizer. It is important not to over-fertilize, however, as this can lead to leaf issues. Be sure to follow the package directions for amount and frequency of fertilizer application. As for roots, this plant does not have any special requirements. It is important to make sure the plant is not root-bound when you purchase it, as this can stunt growth. Once planted, it is best to leave the roots undisturbed.

About light

Pruning is an important step in keeping your maple leaf viburnum healthy and vigorous. Cutting back the stems encourages new growth and helps to maintain the plant's shape. It is best to prune in early spring, before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation of maple leaf viburnum can be done by seed, softwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings. Seed should be collected in the fall and sown immediately. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring and hardwood cuttings in the fall.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is medium to fast, making it a perfect choice for those who want a hedge or privacy screen that will fill in quickly. This shrub can also be used as a foundation planting, border, or specimen plant. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils and prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include leaf spot and powdery mildew. Both of these can be controlled with fungicide. Another problem that can affect this plant is aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticide.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your maple leaf viburnum regularly. The plant needs about 1 inch of water per week, so make sure to keep an eye on it and water it as needed.
  
• Fertilize your maple leaf viburnum every few months to keep it healthy and promote growth.
  
• Prune your maple leaf viburnum regularly to encourage new growth and shape the plant the way you want it.
  
• Place your maple leaf viburnum in an area where it will get plenty of sunlight. The plant needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly if you notice any.
  
• Make sure the soil around your maple leaf viburnum is well-draining to prevent the plant from getting waterlogged.
  
• Mulch around your maple leaf viburnum to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  

Substitution

• Maackleaf
  
• Maglea-leaf
  
• Marble-leaf
  
• Maple-leaf
  
• Mohrlea-leaf
  
• Mono-leaf
  
• Moselea-leaf
  
• Mosslea-leaf
  
• Mucous-leaf
  
• Musan-leaf

Source:
Viburnum acerifolium; Maple-leaf Viburnum - Brandeis
Viburnum edule | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Viburnum, Bacterial Leaf Spot/Leaf Blight - Iowa State University