Origin
Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray is a species of shrub native to North America, commonly found in the Atlantic Coast states including Maine, Massachusetts, and Florida.
Common Names
Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray is commonly known by several names including rough-leaved arrowwood, southern arrowwood, and scabrous-leaved arrowwood.
Uses
The Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray plant has a variety of uses including as an ornamental shrub because of its beautiful foliage and clusters of creamy white flowers. It can also be used for erosion control and as a food source for wildlife such as birds and deer.
General Appearance
Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray is a deciduous shrub that typically grows up to 10-15 feet tall and wide. The plant has a compact, rounded habit with green leaves that turn reddish-purple in the fall. The shrub produces dense clusters of creamy white flowers in the spring, followed by blue-black fruits in the fall.
Light Requirements
Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but will not flower as profusely as it would in full sun. In locations with hot afternoon sun, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Eastern North America, which means it is adapted to a range of temperatures. It can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C), and hot temperatures up to 90°F (32°C). In warmer climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade to avoid heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray prefers well-draining, moist soil that is high in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). It can also tolerate clay soils, but may struggle in sandy soils that dry out quickly.
Cultivation
Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray is a deciduous shrub that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including acidic and alkaline soils. The plant should be spaced at least 6 feet apart if planting multiple saplings. It is best to plant this shrub in the spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool.
Watering Needs
During the first few growing seasons, Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray needs frequent watering to help it establish its root system. Afterward, the shrub can tolerate short periods of drought. It is essential to water the plant regularly during extended periods of heat and drought to avoid wilting and stress. The plant's root zone needs to be watered deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil.
Fertilization
To keep the Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray healthy and promote growth, fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth appears. Avoid fertilizing in the fall as it can stimulate new growth, which may not be hardy enough to survive the winter. It is essential to follow the package instructions and not overfertilize, as it can lead to poor flowering and leaf growth.
Pruning
The Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray shrub requires annual pruning to remove any damaged or diseased wood, as well as to maintain its shape and size. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before the plant starts to leaf out. It is recommended to remove no more than one-third of the plant's overall size to avoid stressing the shrub. Cutting the older stems to the ground level can help revitalize the plant and trigger new growth.
Propagation of Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray
Viburnum dentatum L. var. scabrellum Torr. & Gray, commonly known as the Southern arrowwood, can be propagated through multiple methods including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Viburnum dentatum can be achieved from collecting the ripe fruit/seeds in late summer. The seeds need to be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until they are planted in the fall. Seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch in well-draining soil in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. Germination may take up to two years.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood in late summer to early fall. The cutting should be at least 4 inches in length and include a leaf node and should only be taken from healthy plants. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and place it in a pot with well-draining soil. Cuttings should be kept moist and in a location that receives partial shade. Roots will develop in approximately two months.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Viburnum dentatum by splitting the plant at the roots. This method is best done in spring before new growth emerges. The plant should be dug up, and the roots should be carefully separated. Each division should have enough roots and at least one healthy stem. Transplant the divisions to a well-draining soil to settle and grow.
Once the propagation method is chosen and completed, the Southern arrowwood plant should be cared for appropriately, and the same cultural practices as established plants should be followed.
Disease Management
V. dentatum var. scabrellum is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. To manage these diseases, it is essential to practice proper sanitation techniques, including removing and disposing of infected plant debris and providing adequate air circulation. Fungicides may also be used to prevent disease spread and infection, but their application should be timed correctly to coincide with disease development. Generally, fungicides are most effective when applied to the plant before the onset of symptoms.
Pest Management
Although relatively resistant to pests, V. dentatum var. scabrellum can be attacked by several insects, including viburnum leaf beetles and scale insects. Viburnum Leaf Beetles defoliate plants and are often challenging to control. They may be controlled using insecticides that are specifically formulated for beetle control. Scale insects, on the other hand, can be controlled through pruning infected plant material and washing the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Biological control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, can also help manage pest populations.
