Origin
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. ovatum (Rehd.) McAtee is native to the eastern United States, stretching from Maine to Florida and as far west as Texas and Oklahoma. It can be found in a variety of habitats, from moist woodlands to dry uplands.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as mapleleaf viburnum, maple-leaved arrowwood, arrowwood viburnum, and dockmackie.
Uses
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. ovatum has several uses, both ornamental and medicinal. Its attractive foliage and berries make it a popular choice for use in landscaping and gardens. Native American tribes have used the plant for medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for fever and as a sedative.
General Appearance
Mapleleaf viburnum is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are maple-like, with three lobes, and turn a brilliant red in the fall. The plant produces small, creamy white flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of blue-black berries in the summer. The bark of the plant is smooth and grayish-brown.
Light Requirements
Viburnum acerifolium var. ovatum typically grows well in partial shade to full shade environments. It can be grown in full sun, but it may require more frequent watering to avoid root drying. When planted in partial shade, the plant's growth may be slower, but it has a better chance of survival.
Temperature Requirements
These plants typically grow well in hardiness zones 6 to 9 and can tolerate cold winters of up to ?10 °F (?23 °C). In hotter areas, they do best when planted in an area that is partially shaded and kept well-watered. Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can cause wilting, and prolonged exposure to extreme heat can result in damage to the leaves.
Soil Requirements
The Viburnum acerifolium var. ovatum plant prefers soils that are well-drained, acidic, and high in organic matter. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged. It is important to note that these plants can be sensitive to soil pH. Soils should be kept between a pH range of 5.0 and 6.5. When planting in poorly drained or clay soils, it is recommended to create raised beds to help improve soil drainage. Additionally, applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant can help to retain moisture in the soil, especially during hot and dry periods.
Cultivation
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. ovatum (Rehd.) McAtee is native to North America and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. It prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight and a moist, well-draining soil. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
The best time to plant Viburnum acerifolium is in the spring or fall. Before planting, loosen the soil and add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality. Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant's root ball and water thoroughly after planting.
Watering Needs
Viburnum acerifolium prefers to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week in the absence of rain. Once established, the plant can tolerate some drought but will perform best with regular watering.
Be sure to water at the base of the plant and avoid soaking the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Viburnum acerifolium does not require fertilizer, but a light application of compost or well-rotted manure can help to improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
When applying fertilizer, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Viburnum acerifolium is not necessary but can help to promote healthy growth and a more compact shape. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin out the interior of the plant to improve air circulation. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's total growth in a single season.
Avoid pruning Viburnum acerifolium in the fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter, making the plant more susceptible to damage from frost or cold temperatures.
Propagation of Viburnum acerifolium L. var. ovatum (Rehd.) McAtee
Viburnum acerifolium L. var. ovatum (Rehd.) McAtee, commonly known as mapleleaf viburnum or maple-leaved arrowwood, is a deciduous shrub that is native to eastern North America. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes and can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant in the fall and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch and kept moist until germination, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings have grown enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Hardwood cuttings can be taken from the plant in late fall or winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be approximately 6 to 8 inches long and taken from the previous year's growth. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until rooted, which can take several weeks to several months. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Layering Propagation
Layering can also be used to propagate Viburnum acerifolium L. var. ovatum (Rehd.) McAtee. In the spring, select a low branch on the plant and bend it down to the ground. Make a small cut on the underside of the branch where it touches the ground, and then cover the cut with soil. The branch should be secured in place with a small stake or rock. Over time, roots will form where the branch touches the ground. Once the branch has rooted, it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its own container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Viburnum acerifolium L. var. ovatum is powdery mildew, which is caused by a fungal infection. This disease causes a powdery coating on the leaves, which can reduce the plant's ability to produce food through photosynthesis. To manage this disease, pruning infected leaves, proper spacing of plants, and avoiding overhead irrigation can be effective.
Another disease that can affect this plant is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungal infection. Symptoms often include irregularly shaped spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, practicing good sanitation, including removing infected leaves and regularly cleaning pruning tools can be an effective strategy.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that can affect Viburnum acerifolium L. var. ovatum is the viburnum leaf beetle. The beetle larvae will feed on the leaves, which can cause severe defoliation. Handpicking of the larvae, using sticky traps, and introducing natural predators such as parasitic wasps can be effective in control.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the Viburnum crown borer. The larvae of this moth-based pest tunnel into the base of the plant, which can cause weak stems and twig dieback. To manage this pest, it is essential to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestations and prune infected branches. In severe cases, insecticides may be necessary.
