Origin
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei (Bush) McAtee, also known as Southern Arrowwood, is a shrub native to the southeastern United States. It can be found growing naturally in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Common Names
The Southern Arrowwood shrub goes by several common names, including Smooth Arrowwood, Arrowwood Viburnum, Appalachian Tea, and Wild Raisin.
Uses
There are several uses for Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei. It is often planted for its ornamental value, with its creamy-white flowers, reddish-purple foliage, and deep blue berries adding color to gardens and landscapes. The berries are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies. The shrub is also used for erosion control and wildlife habitat. The leaves and bark of the shrub have been used for medicinal purposes in the past, though caution should be exercised in ingesting or using any part of the plant for medicinal purposes without proper guidance.
General Appearance
The Southern Arrowwood shrub typically grows to be 6-10 feet tall and wide, with a rounded shape and upright branches. The leaves are shiny and dark green in color, turning purplish-red in the fall. The creamy-white flowers bloom in May or June and are followed by clusters of deep blue berries that attract birds and other wildlife. The bark of the shrub is grayish-brown and may develop shallow grooves or fissures as it ages.
Light Conditions
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. However, it performs best in areas where it receives full sun. This plant typically grows in open fields or woodland margins where it receives sufficient sunlight, but can also tolerate partial shade under the canopy of taller trees.
Temperature Requirements
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. This plant is quite hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). It can also tolerate hot and dry conditions during the summer months. Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei is an ideal plant for gardens in USDA hardiness zones 2-8.
Soil Requirements
Soil conditions play a vital role in the growth and development of Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It grows best in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. However, it can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, sandy soils, and loamy soils. Additionally, this plant also tolerates a wide range of soil moisture conditions including dry to moist soils.
Cultivation Methods
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei (Bush) McAtee is a deciduous shrub that grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. They prefer full sun to partial shade, and their growth rate is considered fast, making them ideal for hedging. It's vital to plant them in a spot with enough space to accommodate their mature size, which can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. They are tolerant of different types of soil, including loam, sand, and clay.Watering Needs
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei (Bush) McAtee requires regular watering during the first year of planting to establish root systems. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant and only need watering during extended periods of drought or high heat. Water them deeply once a week to ensure water reaches the roots.Fertilization
Fertilize Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei (Bush) McAtee once a year in the spring with a slow-release balanced fertilizer or an organic option such as compost or manure. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, ensuring it doesn't contact the leaves or the stems.Pruning
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei (Bush) McAtee responds well to regular pruning to control their shape and promote flowering. Prune them in the early spring before new growth appears, removing any dead or diseased wood. You can also prune them after they flower to encourage branch growth. Avoid pruning too heavily, as this can harm the shrub's growth and flowering.Propagation Methods for Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei (Bush) McAtee
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei, commonly known as the Arrowwood Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. Its propagation can be done through the following methods:
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Semi-hardwood cuttings are typically taken during late summer to early fall when the stems have partially matured. Cuttings should be approximately 4 to 6 inches long, with at least one node. Remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root growth. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it evenly moist until roots form.
Seeds
The seeds of Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei can be harvested in late fall, after the fruit has turned blue-black. Clean the seeds by removing any attached fruit flesh and let the seeds dry for a few days. Once dry, store the seeds in a cool, dry place until ready to plant. Scarify the seeds by rubbing them against sandpaper or nicking them with a knife to help with germination. Plant the seeds in a soil mix and keep the container in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist but not saturated until the seedlings emerge.
Suckers
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei can produce suckers or basal shoots at the base of the plant. These can be removed in early spring and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Plant the sucker at the same depth as it was growing on the parent plant and keep the soil moist until it establishes a strong root system.
Disease Management
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei is susceptible to various diseases, some of which include:
- Anthracnose
- Cercospora leaf spot
- Phytophthora root rot
- Powdery mildew
- Rust
To manage these diseases, it is recommended to:
- Plant disease-resistant varieties
- Water the plant at the base to prevent splashing of water on leaves
- Prune diseased branches and remove them from the area
- Apply fungicides as recommended
Pest Management
Viburnum dentatum L. var. ashei is also prone to attacks from pests, some of which include:
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
To manage these pests, it is recommended to:
- Prevent infestations by maintaining a healthy plant through proper watering and fertilization
- Prune affected branches and remove them from the area
- Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as recommended
