General Information
Viburnum nitidum Ait. is a species of plant in the Adoxaceae family, also known as the moschatel family. This plant is native to China and is commonly found in the provinces of Anhui, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang.
Common Names
Viburnum nitidum has several common names, including Chinese viburnum, shiny-leaf viburnum, and smooth viburnum. The plant is called "jiao guan" in Chinese, which translates to "corner bead" due to the shape of its leaves.
Appearance
Viburnum nitidum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 8 feet in height and 6 feet in width. The leaves of the plant are glossy and oval-shaped, with a bright green color that turns reddish-purple in the fall. The plant produces small, white flowers in clusters that bloom from April to May. The fruit of the plant is a drupe that is initially green, then turns pink and finally red when mature.
Uses
Viburnum nitidum is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive glossy leaves and showy flowers. The plant can be used as a hedge or screen in gardens and landscapes, and it also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant's fruit is used to treat colds, coughs, and fever, while the bark and roots are used to treat rheumatism and joint pain.
Light requirements
Viburnum nitidum Ait. requires full to partial sunlight for healthy growth and development. The plant can tolerate some shade but grows best in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Viburnum nitidum Ait. is between 60°F to 75°F. The plant can tolerate both heat and cold stress to some extent, but it cannot survive in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Frost and freezing can cause severe damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
The Viburnum nitidum Ait. plant prefers well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soil. The optimum pH range for the plant is 5.0-7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. The plant can tolerate some dryness but performs best in consistently moist soil. Avoid growing the plant in heavy clay soil or highly saline soil as it can negatively impact the plant's health.
Cultivation Methods
Viburnum nitidum Ait., commonly known as shiny-leaved arrowwood, is a shrub species that is relatively easy to cultivate and care for. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 and rich in organic matter. When planting, ensure that the spacing is between 5 to 6 feet apart.
In colder regions, the plant is better suited for cultivation in containers and moved indoors during the winter months.
Watering Needs
Viburnum nitidum Ait. requires moderate watering. Too much watering may lead to root rot, while insufficient water may make the plant susceptible to insect infestation and diseases. Generally, the plant requires watering once or twice a week. However, this may vary depending on the plant's maturity, mulching, and weather conditions. Deep soaking to a depth of at least 6 inches is essential for root development.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular feeding to maintain proper growth and health. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous are ideal for the plant. Fertilizers should be applied during the spring season before new growth begins and once more in mid-summer. Follow the recommended dosage by the manufacturer or seek professional advice to avoid over-fertilizing and damaging the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Viburnum nitidum Ait. is essential for its growth and health. Pruning helps the plant develop sturdy stems and clear weak, dead, or diseased branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to form. Cutting the plant back to about one-third of its height is ideal for shaping and increasing bushiness. Use sharp and clean shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation Methods for Viburnum nitidum Ait.
Viburnum nitidum Ait., commonly called shiny-leaf arrowwood, can be propagated through several methods including cutting, layering, and seed propagation.
Cutting Propagation
The best time for cutting propagation is during the summer season. Cuttings with 5 to 10 cm lengths can be taken from the current season's growth. Remove the leaves at the lower end of the cutting and plant it in a rooting medium containing equal parts of sand and peat moss. Mist the cuttings daily and keep them under a plastic cover to maintain humidity. The cuttings will root in 6-8 weeks.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another method of propagating Viburnum nitidum in which the stem is bent and buried in moist soil. In about a month's time, new roots will form on the buried part of the stem. Once roots have formed, cut the layer from the parent plant and transplant it to the desired location.
Seed Propagation
Viburnum nitidum Ait. can be propagated through seed. However, seed propagation has a lower success rate than cutting or layering. Seeds can be stratified for 2-3 months in a moist medium, at a temperature of 5°C, prior to sowing. Sow the seeds in a sandy soil mix and keep them moist. The seeds will germinate in the spring.
Disease management
Viburnum nitidum Ait. is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora viburni and appears as circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and prune out affected branches.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and stem cankers. To manage this disease, prune out the affected branches and apply a fungicide.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This disease is characterized by water-soaked spots on the leaves that turn brown. To manage this disease, prune out affected branches and avoid overhead watering.
Pest management
There are several common pests that may affect Viburnum nitidum Ait. These pests include:
- Aphids: These pests suck the plant sap, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage an aphid infestation, spray the plant with water to dislodge the insects, or apply insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: These pests look like small bumps on the leaves and stems and suck the plant sap. To manage a scale infestation, prune out the affected branches or apply horticultural oil.
- Spider mites: These pests are too small to see with the naked eye, but they cause a stippled appearance on the leaves, and the leaves may turn yellow or brown. To manage a spider mite infestation, improve the plant's growing conditions by increasing humidity levels and applying an insecticidal soap.
