Overview of Viburnum suspensum Lindley
Viburnum suspensum, also known as Sandankwa viburnum, is an evergreen plant that belongs to the family Adoxaceae. The plant is native to Japan and Taiwan, and it is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Sandankwa viburnum, Korean spice viburnum, Korean spice bush, and fragrant viburnum.
Uses of Viburnum suspensum Lindley
The plant has many uses, and it is commonly used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping. Viburnum suspensum can also be grown as a hedge due to its attractive foliage and dense growth habit. This plant also produces fragrant flowers and fruits that can be used to make jams and jellies.
Appearance of Viburnum suspensum Lindley
Viburnum suspensum is a dense evergreen shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The plant has leathery, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. It produces clusters of small white flowers that bloom in the winter and spring and are followed by red, non-edible berries.
Light Requirements
Viburnum suspensum Lindley thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers bright and filtered light, like that found under tree canopies. The plant should receive at least six hours of sunlight a day for optimum growth. However, it can also tolerate considerable shade, but this might affect flowering and fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
V. suspensum can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it is native to tropical climates. The plant grows best in warm climates where the temperature does not fall below 10 °C (50°F). The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F).
Soil Requirements
Viburnum suspensum Lindley prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. The plant grows best in soil that has a slightly acidic pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. A sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal for the growth of this plant. However, it is adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Viburnum suspensum Lindley, commonly known as Sandankwa Viburnum or Sandanqua Viburnum, is a flowering shrub that grows well in warm climates. It requires well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.5. You should plant the shrub in a spot that gets full sun or partial shade. It is best to plant it in early spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler, and there is less risk of the shrub drying out. You should avoid planting Sandanqua Viburnum in areas with high winds, as the shrub's delicate branches and leaves may break easily.
Watering Needs
The Sandankwa Viburnum needs frequent watering, especially during its first year of growth. During this period, you should water the shrub every week and ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. After the first year, you can space out the watering to every two weeks, depending on the weather conditions. The shrub needs more water during the summer months and less during the winter season. You should avoid overwatering the Viburnum suspensum as it may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Viburnum suspensum requires regular fertilization to enhance its growth and boost blooming. You can fertilize the shrub using an all-purpose fertilizer at the start of the growing season and again in midsummer. Avoid fertilizing during winter as the plant slows down its growth rate during this time and may not need the additional nutrients. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the recommended amount of fertilizer to avoid overfertilizing, which may lead to salt accumulations in the soil.
Pruning
The Sandanqua Viburnum requires pruning to maintain its shape and size and enhance its blooming. You should prune the shrub in early spring before new growth begins. You can prune the shrub to any desired shape and size, and remove any dead branches or diseased parts of the plant. You should avoid pruning the Viburnum suspensum in late fall or winter as it may lead to reduced blooming during the following spring season.
Propagation of Viburnum suspensum Lindley
Viburnum suspensum Lindley, commonly known as Sandankwa Viburnum, is a versatile ornamental shrub with glossy evergreen leaves. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Viburnum suspensum from seeds is a simple process, although it may take longer to produce results than other methods. Seeds can be collected from the plant in late summer or early fall after the fruit has matured. The fleshy, red fruit of the plant is edible but doesn't have a pleasant taste.
Once the seeds are collected, they should be stored in a cool, dry place until spring when it's almost time to plant them. Before planting, the seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours to remove any germination inhibitors. Afterward, they should be sown in a well-draining seed-starting mix and kept in a warm place with ample sunlight.
Propagation by Cuttings
Viburnum suspensum can also be propagated from cuttings. This is a faster, more reliable method of propagation than growing from seeds. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring. Harden off the cuttings for about a week before planting them in a rooting medium. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder or liquid before planting them and cover them with plastic to maintain a humid environment. After about six weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted to a pot or larger container with potting soil.
Propagation from cuttings can be done at any time of the year, but you may have more success if you do it during the plant's growing season.
Disease Management:
Viburnum suspensum Lindley is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove and destroy the infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease is characterized by powdery white spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove the infected parts, improve air circulation, and apply a fungicide.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing distortion of leaves. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to manage the infestation.
Pest Management:
Viburnum suspensum Lindley is also susceptible to pests like:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing tiny, yellow or white dots on the surface of leaves. To manage them, spray the plant with water, use beneficial insects like ladybugs, or apply neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the stems or leaves of the plant and suck its sap, causing yellowing, leaf drop, and dieback. Prune and destroy the infected parts or use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation. Handpick the caterpillars and destroy them, or use biological control methods like Bacillus thuringiensis.
