How to Grow Viburnum Lantana - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Viburnum lantana is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Growing to a height of 2-3 m (6.6-9.8 ft), it has dark green, glossy leaves and white flowers clustered in large, flat-topped clusters (corymbs). The fruits are small, red berries, which are poisonous to humans but popular with birds.

How to Grow Viburnum Lantana - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • viburnum lantana
  • vibernum lantana
  • wayfaring tree
  • guelder rose
  • cranberry bush

Things to Know

  • Viburnum lantana is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae.
  • It is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa.
  • It is a deciduous shrub growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall and wide.
  • The leaves are opposite, ovate to oblong, 5–12 cm (2–5 in) long and 2–6 cm (1–2 1?2 in) broad, with a blunt apex.
  • The flowers are white, borne in corymbs up to 10 cm (4 in) across, each flower with five petals 10–15 mm (3?8–5?8 in) long and five sepals.
  • The fruit is a dark blue, berry-like drupe 5–8 mm (3?16–5?16 in) diameter, containing two seeds.
  • The berries are poisonous to humans but are eaten by birds.
  • Viburnum lantana is a popular garden shrub, grown for its flowers, fruits and foliage.
  • It is also used as a hedging plant.
  • It is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

Growing Steps

  1. For viburnum lantana, first step is to take the plant out of the container it is growing in and carefully untangle the roots.
  2. Next, prepare the planting hole. It should be twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  4. Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  5. Water the plant well.
  6. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, but be sure to keep it away from the stem.
  7. Water the plant regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  8. Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to keep it looking its best.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful viburnum lantana!

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Roseum

The Soil

About soil condition, it prefers deep, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of a wide range of soils conditions. Avoid overly wet soils. It has a strong root system and will also tolerate some drought once established.

Light requirement

So, like the other viburnum, the lantana does best in full sun to partial shade. It's a good idea to give it some afternoon shade in hot summer areas. It's also tolerant of a wide range of soils, as long as the soil is well-drained.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the viburnum lantana is very important to its growth and development. This plant thrives in temperatures that are between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also tolerate temperatures that are as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it will not do well in temperatures that are higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. Viburnum lantana can tolerate average to low humidity, but will not tolerate drought conditions. If the plant is kept too dry, the leaves will begin to drop and the plant will eventually die.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. It is important to fertilize in the spring, before new growth begins. Root development is important for this plant, so make sure the roots have plenty of room to grow.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for your viburnum lantana. You should prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.Remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant, or to encourage new growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer, as seed does not breed true to type. Place the cuttings in a propagator or seal a plastic bag around the pot to retain moisture. Rooting hormone may help.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is moderate to rapid, with an annual increase of 13 to 24 inches being common. However, the shrub will benefits from an annual pruning to encourage its best possible growth.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and stem canker. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Stem canker is a bacterial infection that causes the stems of the plant to rot.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to plant your viburnum lantana in a sunny location.
  • Make sure you prepare the soil before planting.
  • Water your plant regularly, especially during the summer months.
  • Fertilize your plant every month during the growing season.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Deadhead the flowers regularly to keep the plant looking neat.
  • Watch for pests and diseases and treat them accordingly.
  • Mulch around the plant to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  • Stake the plant if it starts to leaning over.
  • Enjoy the beautiful flowers and berries that your plant will produce!

Similar Plants

  • Viburnum lantana 'Album' (Album lantana)
  • Viburnum lantana 'Album Superba' (Album lantana)
  • Viburnum lantana 'Album Superba' (Album lantana)
  • Viburnum lantana 'Champlas duvet' (Champlas duvet lantana)
  • Viburnum lantana 'Compactum' (Compactum lantana)
  • Viburnum lantana 'Compactum' (Compactum lantana)
  • Viburnum lantana 'Edelweiss' (Edelweiss lantana)
  • Viburnum lantana 'Evirga' (Evirga lantana)

Source:
Wayfaringtree Viburnum (Viburnum lantana) - Selecting Shrubs …
Wayfaringtree Viburnum (Viburnum lantana)-Hort Answers
Viburnum lantana habit: UIPLANTS - woodyplants.nres.uiuc.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category