Overview of Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd.
Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to the eastern and central regions of the United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It is commonly known as Deam's arrowwood.
Appearance of Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd.
Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd. typically grows to be 5-10 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide. It has a rounded shape and a dense crown. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and ovate-shaped, measuring 2-4 inches in length. In the fall, the leaves turn a reddish-purple color. The shrub produces white, flat-topped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. They give way to blue-black berries that mature in the fall, attracting birds and other wildlife.
Uses of Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd.
Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd. has several uses. It can be grown as a specimen plant, planted in mass or used as a hedge or screen due to its dense crown. The shrub is also used in naturalistic or wildlife gardens, attracting birds and other wildlife. Additionally, the bark, leaves, and roots have been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of headaches and stomachaches.
Growth Conditions for Viburnum pubescens var. deamii Rehd.
Viburnum pubescens is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to be 3 to 12 feet tall and wide. The leaves are an oval shape, ranging from 2 to 6 inches long, and have a felt-like texture on the underside. The flowers are creamy white and bloom in May or June, followed by red, blue, or black fruits depending on the cultivar.
Light Conditions
Viburnum pubescens var. deamii Rehd. prefers partial shade to full sun, but it can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. In areas with intense summer heat, partial shade may be necessary to prevent the leaves from scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the eastern United States and is adapted to a wide range of temperature conditions. It can survive temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 100°F. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F and 80°F.
Soil Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay. However, it prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. In alkaline soils, it may suffer from iron chlorosis, which causes the leaves to turn yellow.
It is important to note that this plant is sensitive to high levels of salt in the soil, which can cause leaf burn and stunted growth. If you live in an area with salty soil, it is best to plant this species in a raised bed with fresh soil.
Cultivation of Viburnum Pubescens
Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd. is a lovely shrub that produces beautiful, fragrant flowers in the spring and fall, and attractive fruit in the summer. Growing and cultivating this plant can be a wonderful addition to a home garden or landscape. Here are some cultivation tips:
Watering
Regular and consistent watering is important to keep the soil moist during the growing season. The amount of water the plant needs will depend on the amount of rainfall and humidity in your area. To avoid overwatering, make sure the soil is well-drained, and use a moisture meter to check the soil’s moisture level.
Fertilization
Viburnum pubescens needs adequate fertilization to grow vigorously throughout the year. It is best to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring before the flowering season and again in the fall before dormancy. This will ensure the plant gets all of its necessary macro and micronutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the plant healthy and looking well-manicured. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring to encourage vigorous growth and enhance flower production. Make sure to remove any dead and diseased branches and keep the shrub shaped. Avoid pruning during the fall as it can disrupt bud formation in the winter.
Propagation of Viburnum pubescens var. deamii
Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd., commonly known as Deam's Viburnum, is a native shrub in the United States. Its propagation methods include sexual and asexual propagation.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds are the primary method for sexual propagation of Viburnum pubescens var. deamii. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits in the fall. After collection, the seeds should be STRATIFIED at 40-41°F for three months. Stratification simulates winter conditions that break seed dormancy. After stratification, seeds should be sown in a well-draining medium in a greenhouse or nursery bed. Germination may take several months.
Asexual Propagation
The most common asexual propagation methods for Viburnum pubescens var. deamii are softwood cuttings and layering. Softwood cuttings are taken from spring to early summer from new growth that is still soft. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least three leaf nodes. They can be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining medium in a greenhouse or under mist. Roots should develop in 4-8 weeks. Layering involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and covering it with soil. Roots will develop at the point of contact with the soil. After a year, the layer can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd. is vulnerable to several diseases. An important disease is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora viburni. The disease appears as small, circular spots on the leaves, which gradually enlarge and turn tan-colored with a dark border. To manage leaf spot, diseased leaves must be removed and destroyed immediately. The use of fungicides may also effectively manage Cercospora viburni.
Viburnum pubescens is also susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. Regular inspection of the plant for early symptoms of powdery mildew can help to manage the disease. Cultural controls, such as planting disease-resistant varieties, maintaining good air circulation, and removing fallen debris, can help reduce the occurrence of the disease.
Pest Management
Several pests target Viburnum pubescens (Ait.) Pursh var. deamii Rehd. The most common include scale insects and spider mites. Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Handpicking the scales and washing the plant with a soapy solution can help to manage the infestation.
Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaf discoloration and wilting. Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of spider mites, such as webbing on the undersides of the leaves, and the use of insecticidal soap can help to manage the infestation.
