How to Grow Viburnum Dentatum Blue Muffin - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Viburnum dentatum blue muffin is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae. It is native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland to Minnesota south to Alabama and Georgia. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 3–9 m (10–30 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite, simple, 6–12 cm (2.4–4.7 in) long and 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are white, borne in corymbs of 15–25 flowers in late spring. The fruit is a dark blue drupe 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) long, maturing in late summer; it is edible, with a sour taste.

How to Grow Viburnum Dentatum Blue Muffin - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • American cranberrybush viburnum
  • Arrowwood viburnum
  • Blue viburnum
  • Smooth arrowwood
  • Wayfaring tree

Things to Know

  • Viburnum dentatum blue muffin is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family.
  • It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central United States.
  • The leaves of the plant are toothed and ovate-shaped, and its flowers are small, white, and clustered.
  • The fruit of the plant is a blue-black drupe that is about 1 cm in diameter.
  • Viburnum dentatum blue muffin is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
  • It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil and site conditions.
  • It is relatively low-maintenance and does not require regular pruning.
  • The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, ordivision.
  • It is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
  • Viburnum dentatum blue muffin is a food source for a variety of birds and animals, including robins, bluebirds, cardinals, and squirrels.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

Growing Steps

  1. For viburnum dentatum blue muffin, first step is to find the right location. The plant prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. It should be planted in a well-drained soil.
  2. The second step is to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice the width and as deep as the root ball.
  3. The third step is to backfill the hole with amended soil.
  4. The fourth step is to water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
  5. The fifth step is to mulch the plant to help retain moisture.
  6. The sixth step is to fertilize the plant with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
  7. The seventh step is to prune the plant to shape it as desired.
  8. The eighth step is to deadhead the flowers to encourage new growth.
  9. The ninth step is to water the plant regularly during the growing season.
  10. The tenth step is to enjoy the beauty of the blue muffin viburnum!

Related plant:
Viburnum Obovatum

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best place to grow viburnum dentatum blue muffin is in humus-rich, well-drained soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and does not like wet or soggy soil. If the soil is too dry, the plant may become drought-stressed and produce fewer flowers.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, the Viburnum dentatum blue muffin needs sun to grow. without sun, the plant will not be able to produce the food it needs to survive. The plant needs at least six hours of sun each day. If you live in an area with long winters and short summers, you may need to supplement the plant's sun exposure with artificial light.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for viburnum dentatum blue muffin is cool to cold. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including clay.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a combination of organic matter and low nitrogen. For the root system, it is important to keep the area around the plant free from weeds and debris so that the roots can breathe and stay healthy.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your viburnum dentatum blue muffin plant healthy and looking its best. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other, or crossing and causing crowding. Thin out the plant by removing some of the older, larger branches, to allow light and air to reach the inner branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is 6-8 inches long. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained rooting medium. Keep the cutting moist and in a protected location until new growth appears.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered slow to moderate. In general, they will grow about 13 to 24 inches per year. However, there are some reports that they can grow up to 36 inches per year. They typically reach their full height in about 10 to 15 years.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and aphids. These can be treated with fungicides, insecticides, and horticultural oil, respectively. However, it is best to avoid these problems by planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overhead watering.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your plant. Viburnum dentatum blue muffin requires regular watering, especially during the warmer months.
  • Place your plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Feed your plant with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs and trees.
  • Prune your plant as needed to maintain its desired shape and size.
  • Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests or disease and take appropriate action as necessary.
  • Make sure the soil around your plant is well-drained.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around your plant to help protect the roots and retain moisture.
  • Avoid placing your plant in an area where it will be exposed to strong winds.
  • When transplanting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
  • Have patience! It can take several years for a viburnum

You May Like

  • Viburnum japonicum viburnum japonicum is a species of flowering plant in the moschatel family adoxaceae native to eastern asia in china, japan and korea.
  • Viburnum lantana viburnum lantana is a species of viburnum native to central europe, southern europe, and turkey.
  • Viburnum alnifolium viburnum alnifolium (also called arrowwood viburnum or hobblebush) is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family (caprifoliaceae) native to eastern north america.
  • Viburnum reputable reputable (also called nannyberry or sweet viburnum) is a species of viburnum native to eastern and central north america, from southern new brunswick, canada south to northern florida, and west to minnesota and eastern

Source:
Viburnum dentatum 'Christom' Blue Muffin | Gardens
Viburnum dentatum 'Christom' Blue Muffin | Gardens
Viburnum dentatum | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category