Overview
Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense (Rehd.) Gleason, commonly known as arrowwood viburnum, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. The shrub is native to North America and can be found in various areas such as stream banks, swamps, moist woods, and thickets. The plant is a popular choice for landscaping, is low maintenance and can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
Appearance
The arrowwood viburnum has a dense and multi-stemmed growth habit, with an oval to rounded shape. The leaves are opposite, dark green, glossy with a serrated edge, and oval-shaped, measuring approximately 2-4 inches long. The shrub's leaves turn shades of yellow, red, and reddish-purple in the fall. The arrowwood viburnum produces small, white flowers blooming in flat-topped clusters in late spring and early summer, followed by small, blue-black fruits that mature in the fall with showy red foliage.
Uses
Arrowwood viburnum is widely used for wildlife conservation purposes, including songbirds, grouse, and quail. The bark and leaves of the plant contain medicinal properties that have been used over time for medical purposes by the Native Americans. The plant is commonly used in residential and commercial landscapes and is drought-tolerant and low maintenance. Gardeners can utilize the shrub as a stand-alone plant or companion plant. In the fall, the showy red foliage offers an eye-catching display and can be a great addition to any garden.
Growth Conditions for Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense
Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense, commonly known as arrowwood, is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is a low maintenance shrub that thrives in various growing conditions.
Light Requirements
The arrowwood shrub prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate shady conditions as well. Full sun exposure results in better flowering and fruiting whereas in shaded areas, the growth may be slower, and the flowers may not develop properly, leading to limited fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
The arrowwood shrub can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand cold winters and hot summers, making it a hardy plant. The ideal temperature range for this shrub is between 60°F and 80°F (15.6°C and 26.7°C).
Soil Requirements
The arrowwood shrub requires well-draining soil that is moderately fertile. It can grow in acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.5). The plant can tolerate dry conditions as well, but it prefers soil that is consistently moist but not water-logged. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss to the soil helps in water retention and nutrient absorption.
Overall, Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense is a versatile shrub that can adapt to various growing conditions. Ensure that the plant gets sufficient sunlight, water, and nutrients to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation
Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense (Rehd.) Gleason, also known as arrowwood viburnum, tolerates various conditions, making it a popular landscaping plant. It is best cultivated in USDA zones 3 through 8, in a well-drained, sunny area.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and equally deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, fill with soil, and firmly press the soil around the plant. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove air pockets.
Watering Needs
Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense requires moderate watering, with moisture being crucial during the plant's first year. After one year, the plant is drought-resistant and requires watering only during prolonged dry spells.
Water the plant slowly and deeply, so the soil around the plant's roots is thoroughly soaked. To avoid overwatering, allow the topsoil to dry out before watering.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and development, fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring. Use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid burning the plant's roots.
Spread the fertilizer evenly around the plant, keeping it at least 6 inches away from the trunk. Water the plant after fertilizing to help dissolve the fertilizer and carry it to the roots.
Pruning
Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense requires minimal pruning and doesn't need regular maintenance. However, to maintain its shape or remove dead or diseased branches, pruning may be required.
The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. Avoid pruning during the growing season as it may interfere with the plant's growth and flowering.
To promote healthy growth, remove no more than one-third of the plant's total size when pruning.
Propagation of Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense (Rehd.) Gleason
Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense (Rehd.) Gleason is a deciduous shrub that is typically propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering, and division. Successful propagation of this plant requires careful attention to detail, including the timing of the propagation and the conditions under which the plant is grown.
Softwood Cuttings
Softwood cuttings are typically taken from the plant in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible and has not yet fully hardened. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and should be 4-5 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have formed.
Hardwood Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings are taken from the plant in the winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be 8-10 inches long and should be taken from the previous year's growth. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then placed in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a cool, moist environment until roots have formed.
Layering
Layering is the process of bending a stem to the ground and then covering it with soil or mulch until roots have formed. Once the roots have formed, the stem can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted. Layering is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing.
Division
Division involves digging up an established plant and dividing it into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and a good root system. The sections can then be replanted in a well-draining soil and placed in a shaded location until they are established.
Disease Management
Several diseases can affect the Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense, which include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown blotches on leaves, which eventually turn into holes. The twigs and stems can also get cankers. To manage this disease, prune the infected parts and dispose of them. Use fungicides to prevent recurrence.
- Powdery Mildew: A white powdery substance appears on the leaves, which can stunt growth and reduce flowering. To manage this disease, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Use fungicides to prevent recurrence.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This disease causes black or brown water-soaked spots on the leaves. The infected parts eventually fall off, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, prune the infected parts and dispose of them. Use copper fungicides to prevent recurrence.
Pest Management
The Viburnum dentatum L. var. indianense can also get infested with pests, such as:
- Scale Insects: These pests suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing yellowing and distortion. To manage this pest, prune the infested parts and dispose of them. Use insecticidal soap to prevent recurrence.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck sap from the leaves, causing discoloration and defoliation. They can also spin webs. To manage this pest, increase the humidity level and use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of different species of moths can eat the leaves, buds, and flowers. To manage this pest, pick the caterpillars by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
