General Overview:
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. This plant is a variety of Viburnum lantana and is native to Europe and Asia.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Wayfaring tree, Jo-Pye Weed, and Wayfaringtree Viburnum.
Appearance:
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. usually grows up to 6 to 15ft tall with a spread that ranges from 3 to 9ft. The plant has a rounded and bushy form with small, glossy, dark green leaves that grows 2 to 6 inches long. During the spring season, the plant produces flat clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that are followed by small and spherical fruits that are red when they are ripe. The fruits of the plant are safe for consumption and are slightly sweet with a mealy texture.
Uses:
Historically, the plant has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various health conditions, such as inflammation, bleeding, and diarrhea. The fruit of the plant is also edible and has been used in the preparation of jams and jellies. The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its beautiful flowers and stunning appearance.
Light Requirements
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. does well in partial to full sun. This plant enjoys a location that gets dappled shade in the afternoon.
Temperature Requirements
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. is tolerant of extreme temperatures. It can survive frost and drought conditions, making it an excellent plant for growing in areas that face temperature extremes.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. Good drainage is crucial, so the soil should be relatively loose and free of compaction. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern.
Cultivation Methods
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow well in both full sun and partial shade. In terms of propagation, the plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and layering. It is best to plant them during spring or early fall when the soil is still warm enough to promote good root growth.
Watering Needs
Watering the Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. should be done frequently, especially during its growing period, to keep the soil evenly moist. Overwatering or underwatering the plant can lead to yellowing or dropping of leaves. As a rule of thumb, the plant requires about one inch of water per week, but this might vary depending on weather conditions.
Fertilization
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. requires regular feeding, especially in the spring and summer months, when they are actively growing. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can be used when planting, and then followed by monthly feedings of nitrogen or phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Fertilizers should be applied around the root zone of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the health of the Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. plant. It can be done during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Pruning should be done to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant. Overgrown branches can also be cut back to promote healthy growth. Vigorous pruning is usually not necessary and should be avoided as it might lead to reduced flowering.
Propagation of Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern.
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. can be propagated through various methods like stem cuttings, seed, layering, and division.
Stem cuttings
The stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the dormant season, which is usually from late autumn to early winter. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and have at least three nodes. Cut the bottom of the cutting to a slant and dip it in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it in a partial shady area. The cutting will start to root in a few weeks, and it can be transplanted into the ground after the roots become established.
Seed
The seeds of Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. can be collected from the parent plant during the fall. The seeds can be sowed directly into the garden bed in the fall. The soil should be moist and well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly. The seeds will naturally stratify during the winter, and the seedlings will emerge in the spring.
Layering
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. can also be propagated through layering. In layering, select a low hanging branch of the parent plant and make a small cut on the underside of the branch. Bend the branch down and pin it to the ground using a wire or a rock. Cover the cut area with soil and water it regularly. After a few months, the branch will develop roots, and it can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new spot.
Division
Division is another method for propagating Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern., which involves digging up the parent plant and dividing it into smaller sections. This method is best done during the dormant season, as there is less stress on the plant. Each section should have at least one healthy stem and root system, and it can be replanted in a new bed with well-draining soil.
Disease Management
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. is generally a healthy plant, but it may be affected by a few diseases. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens and can cause small, angular, brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and provide good air circulation.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a powdery white coating on leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Verticillium wilt: This is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage verticillium wilt, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting susceptible plants in the same location.
Pest Management
Viburnum lantana L. var. sphaerocarpum Gray ex Fern. may also be affected by a few pests. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from leaves and can cause distorted growth. To manage aphids, spray plants with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small insects that feed on the sap of a plant and can cause yellowing of leaves. To manage scale insects, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts and use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing of leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, remove and destroy infected plant parts, increase humidity around the plant, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
