Origin:
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee, commonly known as Deam's Carolina Viburnum or Deam's Viburnum, is a plant species that belongs to the family Adoxaceae. This variety is native to the eastern and central United States, specifically found in areas such as Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Common Names:
Deam's Carolina Viburnum, Deam's Viburnum, Carolina Viburnum
Uses:
Deam's Carolina Viburnum is a beautiful ornamental plant that is often used as a hedge or planted in groups to form a shrub border. It is also often used to attract birds and other wildlife because of its fruit and flowers.
General Appearance:
Deam's Carolina Viburnum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves are simple, opposite, and toothed, with a dark green color that turns red in the fall. The flowers are creamy-white, flat-topped, and appear in clusters in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a bright red drupe that is an important food source for birds and small mammals. The bark is gray-brown and has a scaly texture.
Light Requirements
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee prefers to grow in areas that receive partial shade to full sun. So, it should be planted in an open area near buildings or under trees that provide some level of shade. Too much shade may limit its growth and production of flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives well in moderate temperatures ranging from 55-75°F. Extreme temperatures below or above this range can harm the plants. During winter, a moderate temperature between 30-50°F is ideal to avoid damage due to freezing.
Soil Requirements
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee prefers well-drained, moist, and fertile soils. The soil PH should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. A high soil pH may affect the availability of essential nutrients, making it hard for the plant to absorb them. A soil test can be conducted to determine the soil's nutrient levels and pH level. Amendments such as compost or other organic manure can help to improve the soil's fertility and overall health.
Cultivation Methods
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee is a deciduous shrub that prefers well-drained soil with a pH ranging from mildly acidic to neutral. It grows best in full sunlight, although it can also tolerate partial shade. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds, although stem cuttings offer better results. When planting, dig a hole 1.5 times the size of the root ball and backfill with the soil mixture. Water well and avoid planting too deep, which may suffocate the roots.
Watering Needs
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee has moderate water needs. Water consistently, especially during prolonged dry spells. However, be careful not to overwater this shrub, as waterlogging may lead to root rot. Water at the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this may cause leaf spotting. In the winter, reduce watering to allow the plant to enter a dormant state.
Fertilization
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee is a light feeder. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring or use organic matter such as compost or manure. Avoid fertilizing in the fall as it may encourage new growth that can be damaged by frost. Over-fertilizing may also cause foliage burn and attract pests and diseases.
Pruning
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee requires minimal pruning for shape and size control. If necessary, prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood and thin out crowded or crossing branches. Avoid pruning beyond the point where there are no leaves, as this may cause the shrub to produce weak shoots. Regular pruning maintains a healthy shrub with abundant blooms and foliage.
Propagation of Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee, also known as Deam’s southern arrowwood, can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, softwood cutting propagation, and hardwood cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method used to propagate Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii. The seeds should be collected from the plant when they are mature, but before they start to fall from the plant. The seeds can then be cleaned and stratified for 90 days at 40 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. Once stratified, the seeds can be planted in a seedbed or in individual containers in a greenhouse. Germination can take anywhere from two to six months.
Softwood Cutting Propagation
Softwood cutting propagation is another way to propagate Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii. Softwood cuttings should be taken in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be four to six inches long and taken from the current year’s growth. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a rooting medium. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment and watered regularly. Roots should develop in four to six weeks.
Hardwood Cutting Propagation
Hardwood cutting propagation can also be used to propagate Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in late fall to early winter when the plant is dormant. The cutting should be six to eight inches long and taken from the previous year’s growth. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a rooting medium. The cutting should be kept in a cool environment and watered regularly. Roots should develop in four to six weeks.
Disease Management for Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee
There are several diseases that can affect Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee. The most common disease is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that creates a powdery white coating on the leaves and shoots. Other diseases that can affect this plant include leaf spot, bacterial blight, and root rot.
To manage these diseases, it's important to start with healthy plants and to ensure that the plants are not stressed. Proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning can help keep plants healthy and less susceptible to disease. Monitoring plants regularly for signs of disease and addressing any issues promptly can also help prevent the spread of disease.
If powdery mildew is present, removing infected leaves and shoots and applying a fungicide can help manage the disease. For other diseases, it's important to identify the specific pathogen and use an appropriate fungicide for management.
Pest Management for Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee
Several pests can infest Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. deamii (Rehd.) McAtee. These include scale insects, aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
To manage these pests, it's important to regularly monitor plants for signs of infestation, such as yellowing or distorted leaves. Encouraging beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can help control some pests. For severe infestations, applying a pesticide or insecticidal soap may be necessary.
It's important to follow label instructions carefully when using pesticides, as overuse or misuse can harm beneficial insects and the environment. Additionally, integrated pest management practices, such as using resistant plant varieties and rotating pesticides, can help prevent pest infestations in the first place.
