How to Grow Prague Viburnum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Prague viburnum is a species of flowering plant in the moschatel family, Adoxaceae. It is native to central and eastern Europe, from Czech Republic and Poland to the Balkans. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 1–3 m tall. The leaves are opposite, simple, 3–8 cm long and 2–6 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are white, borne in cymes of 3-5 flowers in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a drupe, ripening black in late summer or autumn.

How to Grow Prague Viburnum - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Guelder rose
  • Red elderberry
  • Snowball tree
  • European cranberrybush
  • American cranberrybush

Things to Know

  • The Prague viburnum is a large, deciduous shrub that can reach up to 6 m (20 ft) in height.
  • It has dark green, glossy leaves and clusters of white flowers that appear in late spring.
  • The fruits are small, dark berries that ripen in autumn and are relished by birds.
  • The Prague viburnum is native to Central and Eastern Europe, where it grows in forests, woodlands and hedgerows.
  • It was introduced to North America in the late 1800s and has since become naturalized in many parts of the United States and Canada.
  • This hardy shrub is relatively easy to grow and is tolerant of a wide range of soil and environmental conditions.
  • It has few pests or diseases, although the leaves may be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions.
  • The Prague viburnum makes an excellent hedging plant, screening plant or specimen shrub in the garden.
  • It can also be grown in pots or containers.
  • Pruning is generally only necessary to remove dead or damaged branches, or to control the size or shape of the shrub.

Growing Steps

  1. For prague viburnum, first step is to find a good location.
  2. Prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the width and depth of the pot.
  3. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  4. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it around the base of the plant.
  5. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  6. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant, but do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk of the plant.
  7. Prune the plant as needed to maintain its desired shape.
  8. Fertilize the plant twice a year, in spring and fall, with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Monitor the plant for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful prague viburnum!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Prague viburnum grows best in moist, well-drained soils, but it is also quite tolerant of average to dry soils, and even clay soils. Prague viburnum will not tolerate wet, poorly drained soils. It has a deep, extensive root system, so it is not particularly drought tolerant once established.

Light requirement

Just like other plants, the Prague viburnum needs sunlight to grow. However, it is more tolerant of shady conditions than other viburnums. It will still produce flowers and berries in partial shade, but it will have a greater flowering display and produce more fruit if it gets at least six hours of direct sun each day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition in Prague is moderate with cool summers and cold winters. The cool summers and cold winters make Prague an ideal place to grow the Prague viburnum. The Prague viburnum is a deciduous shrub that is native to Central and Eastern Europe. The Prague viburnum grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. The Prague viburnum is tolerant of drought and salt. The Prague viburnum is a low-maintenance shrub and does not require regular pruning.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. The Prague viburnum can tolerate lower humidity, but may experience some leaf drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will develop spotting and the plant may become more susceptible to diseases.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or compost in the spring when you first plant it. For the roots, they are very tough and can even handle being in waterlogged soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Prague viburnum is important to keep the plant healthy and to encourage new growth. You should prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, take off any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can also thin out the plant to allow more light and air to reach the center.

About Propagating

Propagation of the Prague viburnum is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length and placed in a moistened growing mix. After rooting, the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is dependent on the growing conditions and the quality of care it receives. However, in general, prague viburnum grows relatively slowly. This is why it is important to choose a spot for planting where the plant will have plenty of room to grow over time. With proper care, prague viburnum can live for many years and reach a height of up to 15 feet.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, aphids, and rust. The powdery mildew can be controlled with fungicide. The aphids can be controlled with insecticide. The rust can be controlled with fungicide.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your Prague viburnum regularly. The plant cannot tolerate drought and will quickly lose its leaves if the soil is too dry.
  • Place your Prague viburnum in a location where it will receive partial sun to full sun.
  • Prague viburnums need well-drained soil. Be sure to amend your soil with organic matter before planting.
  • Fertilize your Prague viburnum in early spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
  • Prune your Prague viburnum in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases. Aphids, scale, and whiteflies can all infest Prague viburnums.
  • Remove any affected leaves or branches as soon as you see them.
  • Inspect your Prague viburnum regularly for signs of stress, such as wilting leaves or branches.

Alternative Plants

  • Prague viburnum (Viburnum awabuki 'Pragense')
  • Velvet Cloak viburnum (Viburnum x rhytidophylloides 'Alleghany')
  • Pink Taffeta viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Mariesii')
  • Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
  • Rusty Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum)
  • Wafer ash viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum)
  • Lantana viburnum (Viburnum lantana)
  • Eve's Necklace viburnum (Viburnum lindheimeri)
  • Five corner viburnum (Viburnum lantana var. triflorum)
  • New Jersey

Source:
(DOC) Viburnum | Îgn?zio Saragih - Academia.edu
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Viburnum ×pragense 'Decker'
Viburnums | UNL Gardens | Nebraska

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