How to Grow Viburnum Nudum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Viburnum nudum is a deciduous shrub typically growing to 6-9 feet tall and wide. It is native to the southeastern United States where it is found in woodlands, often on limestone soils. The Latin specific epithet nudum means “naked” or “bare”, referring to the leafless flower clusters. The flowers are small and white, borne in dense clusters in late spring. The fruit is a black drupe. The leaves are simple, ovate to oblong-ovate, 3-6 inches long and 1.5-3 inches wide, with a toothed margin.

How to Grow Viburnum Nudum - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • American Highbush Cranberry
  • Arrowwood
  • Nannyberry
  • Stagberry
  • Sweet Viburnum

Common Knowledge

  • Viburnum nudum is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States.
  • It typically grows to 6-12 feet tall and 6-15 feet wide.
  • The leaves are opposite, ovate to oblong-ovate in shape, and 3-6 inches long.
  • The leaf margins are serrate and the leaves are green to dark green in color.
  • The flowers are white, borne in terminal clusters, and 5-lobed.
  • The fruit is a drupe, dark blue to black in color, and 1-2 cm in diameter.
  • Viburnum nudum blooms in late spring to early summer.
  • The fruit ripens in late summer to early fall.
  • Viburnum nudum is tolerant of a variety of soils and habitats.
  • It is a larval host plant for the emperor moth (Aglia tau) and the banded tussock moth (Halysidota tessellaris).

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

Growing Steps

  1. For viburnum nudum, first step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  4. Water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
  5. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  6. Water the plant regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  7. Fertilize the plant in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune the plant as needed to encourage new growth and shape the plant.
  9. Watch for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
  10. Enjoy the lovely flowers and berries that viburnum nudum produces!

Related plant:
Doublefile Viburnum

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, (viburnum nudum) prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils, but it is quite adaptable and tolerates a range of soils, from clay to sand. It also tolerates a range of pH levels, from acidic to slightly alkaline.

Light condition

Similar to other viburnum, the viburnum nudum needs sun to produce blooms. Sunlight is necessary for the production of the beautiful flowers that appear on the plant. The more sun that the plant gets, the more flowers it will produce. The plant will also produce more berries when it is grown in full sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions for optimal growth of the American cranberrybush are between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate short periods of cold down to 0 degrees, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing will damage the plant.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The plant should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. It is best to use a spray bottle to mist the leaves rather than watering from the bottom.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, usually the plant food, is the key for a plant to grow healthy and strong. The roots are the part of the plant that take in water and nutrients from the soil. If a plant does not have healthy roots, it will not be able to grow properly.

Plant Pruning

Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Viburnum nudum can be pruned quite severely, as it is a very resilient plant. It can be shaped into a hedge, or left to grow naturally as a shrub.

The Propagation

Propagation is by seed, rooting of softwood cuttings, or layering. Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 8-10 in (20-25 cm) long, July/August in a frame. Layering in spring.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid in full sun, but the plant can tolerate some shade. The soil should be moist but well drained and slightly acidic. Add organic matter to the soil before planting. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that grows on the leaves and stems of the plant. Leaf spot is a brown or black spot that appears on the leaves of the plant. These spots can be caused by different fungi or bacteria.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant your viburnum nudum in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • This shrub does best in moist, well-drained soil.
  • Be sure to water your plant regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  • To encourage bushier growth, prune your shrub annually.
  • Fertilize your viburnum nudum in early spring using a balanced shrub fertilizer.
  • To help prevent disease, avoid overhead watering and planting in poorly drained soil.
  • If you notice any signs of disease, such as leaf spot or stem canker, promptly treat with a fungicide.
  • Japanese beetles can be a major pest of viburnum nudum. Be sure to control them accordingly.
  • This shrub is generally deer resistant.
  • Viburnum nudum is relatively easy to care for and makes a great addition

Substitution

  • Viburnum lindleyi is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae, native to central and western China. ...
  • Viburnumhirtum is a species of flowering plant that is native to western China.
  • Viburnumis a genus of about 150–175 species of flowering plants in the moschatel family, Adoxaceae.
  • Viburnumalnifolium, also called sheepberry or black haw, is a species of Viburnum native to the eastern United States, from Maine south to northern Florida and west to the Ohio Valley and the Mississippi Valley.
  • Viburnumpallidum, sometimes called blue haw or pale arrowwood or low viburnum, is a species of Viburnum native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
  • Viburnumawabuki is a species of flowering plant in the

Source:
Viburnum nudum, Part Deux | BYGL
Louisiana Plant ID | Viburnum nudum (possumhaw)
Species: Viburnum nudum - woodyplants.cals.cornell.edu

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category