Maintenance Landscaping Design

Viburnum davidii is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae, native to Sichuan and Hubei provinces in central China. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall and wide. The leaves are opposite, ovate, 6–12 cm long and 3–7 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are white, borne in flat-topped 5- or 6-flowered cymes 25–35 cm diameter in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a dark purple drupe 5–8 mm diameter, ripening in late summer to autumn.

Also called

• snowball viburnum
  
• fragrant snowball
  
• guelder rose
  
• arrowwood viburnum
  
• wild raisin

Basic info

• Viburnum davidii is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae.
  
• It is native to China, where it is known as shan zhu yu.
  
• It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 5 m (16 ft) tall.
  
• The leaves are opposite, simple, ovate-acuminate, 6–12 cm (4–7 in) long and 3–6 cm (2–4 in) broad.
  
• The flowers are borne in cymes of 3–5 flowers, each flower white, 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) diameter, with five lobes.
  
• The fruit is a dark blue drupe 5–8 mm (0.20–0.31 in) diameter.
  
• It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in China and elsewhere in temperate Asia.
  
• It has also been introduced to North America, where it is known as David viburnum.
  
• The species is named for French naturalist and explorer Armand David.
  
• It is sometimes confused with the related species Viburnum erosum, which is also known as David viburnum.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

Growing Steps

1. For viburnum davidii, first step is to find the perfect site. Viburnum davidii prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.
   
2. Next, amend the planting hole with organic matter such as compost or manure.
   
3. After that, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
4. Set the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with the surrounding soil.
   
5. Once the plant is in the hole, backfill it with soil and water deeply.
   
6. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
   
7. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
   
8. Prune viburnum davidii as needed to shape it or remove any damaged or diseased branches.
   
9. In late spring or early summer, viburnum davidii will produce clusters of white flowers.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful plant!

Related plant:
Viburnum Lantana

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Viburnum davidii prefers moist, well-drained soils, but it's also quite tolerant of less than ideal conditions, including fairly dry soils. It's not particular about soil pH, but it does best in soils that are at least somewhat acidic.

About light

Just like other viburnum, the David viburnum (Viburnum davidii) requires full sun to partial shade in order to produce the most blooms. This shrub can tolerate a wide range of soils as long as the ground is not waterlogged. David viburnum blooms in May with large, snowball-like clusters of white flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of Viburnum Davidii is between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. However, the plant can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 10 degrees Celsius to as high as 30 degrees Celsius. The plant isnative to China and was first introduced to North America in the early 1900s.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or lower. Viburnum davidii can tolerate a range of humidity levels, but 50% is ideal. Plants that are too wet or too dry are more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant requires little to none. An application of a balanced fertilizer prior to new growth in spring is all that is needed. If you happen to notice that the leaves are beginning to look a bit yellow, you can give them a light feeding of a water-soluble fertilizer. When it comes to watering, the plant is quite drought tolerant once it is established. However, during extended periods of drought, you will need to water it occasionally. When it comes to the roots, they are quite shallow so they will need to be watered regularly.

Light requirement

Pruning is an essential part of caring for a Viburnum davidii. This shrub can be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, aim to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. You should also thin out the shrub to allow more light and air to reach the center of the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation of Viburnum davidii is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, new growth and should be around 4-6 inches in length. Cuttings should be placed in a well-drained propagating mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into pots or into their permanent location in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 18 to 24 inches per year. However, the plant has been known to grow up to 36 inches in a year under the right conditions. The davidii grows best in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and stem canker. These problems can be caused by different pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, or viruses. To control these problems, it is important to choose the right pathogen-resistant plant varieties and to practice good cultural practices such as proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning.

List to Know

• If growing David viburnum from seed, start them indoors in late winter or early spring.
  
• David viburnum can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer.
  
• Choose a planting site for David viburnum that has well-drained, acidic soil.
  
• Full sun is best for promoting flower and fruit production, but plants will tolerate partial sun.
  
• In colder climates, provide some winter protection for young plants.
  
• Water David viburnum regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
  
• Fertilize plants in spring with an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer.
  
• Prune plants as needed after flowering to maintain a desired shape or size.
  
• Watch for common pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale, and leaf spot.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful

You May Like

• Chamaedaphne calyculata is a species in the genus Chamaedaphne, of the family Ericaceae.
  
• Viburnum delegatense, the alpine viburnum or snowball tree, is a species of flowering plant native to southeastern Australia.
  
• Mahonia Napaulensis, the Himalayan mahonia, is a species of flowering plant in the barberry family, Berberidaceae, native to the Himalaya and to China, in Anhui, Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan and Shaanxi.
  
• Sambucus simpsonii is a species of elderberry known by the common names Simpson's elderberry, giant elderberry, and Rocky Mountain red elderberry.
  
• Daphne cneorum, the garland daphne or garland-flower, is a shrub in the family Thymelaeaceae, indigenous to the

Source:
David Viburnum - Viburnum davidii - PNW Plants
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Viburnum—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
David Viburnum - Viburnum davidii - PNW Plants