Overview of Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur.
Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. is a hybrid of two plant species, Viburnum rhytidophyllum and Viburnum lantana. It is commonly known as Leatherleaf Viburnum or Viburnum Lantanoides. It is an evergreen shrub that displays beautiful clusters of flowers in spring.
Origin
The plant Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. is a hybrid of two other plants. Viburnum rhytidophyllum and Viburnum lantana. Viburnum rhytidophyllum originated in China, while Viburnum lantana was first found in Europe. The hybrid plant was developed in Surbiton, England by horticulturist Margery Fish.
Common Names
Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. is commonly known as Leatherleaf Viburnum or Viburnum Lantanoides. Additional names include wrinkled viburnum, (the species it’s a hybrid of), hybrid leatherleaf viburnum, and lantanaphyllum.
Appearance
The Leatherleaf Viburnum is a large evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. It has glossy, broad leaves, which are dark green in color on the top and lighter green underneath. The branches of the shrub grow upright and form a dense, rounded shape. The flowers of the Leatherleaf Viburnum are white to cream-colored, are fragrant, and bloom between April and May. The plant tends to produce small red fruit, which eventually turns black when it’s ready to harvest in the fall.
Uses
Leatherleaf Viburnum is frequently planted as an ornamental in gardens, parks and other green spaces in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its flowers and foliage are used for floral arrangements and its fruits are enjoyed by local wildlife like birds. Although the plant is considered non-toxic, when consumed in large amounts, it may cause mild symptoms of upset stomach.
Light Requirements
Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. requires partial to full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate partial shade, but full shade should be avoided as it can affect the plant's growth and flowering capabilities. Placing the plant in an area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, however, it prefers moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. is between 60°F to 70°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°F during the winter season, but extreme fluctuations in temperature should be avoided as they can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. is not particular about soil type as it can grow in various types of soils. However, it prefers fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is considered ideal. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging, so soil drainage should be taken into consideration when planting. It is also recommended to add organic matter such as compost to the soil before planting to improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation
Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur., commonly known as leatherleaf viburnum, is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and equally wide. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but grows best in moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. Leatherleaf viburnum prefers full sun to part shade and is a good option for garden borders and hedging.
Watering Needs
Leatherleaf viburnum needs consistent moisture to grow well, especially during its first year in the garden. Water the plant deeply once a week and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Increase the frequency of watering during hot, dry weather, and reduce it during wet weather to prevent fungal diseases. Also, mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization
Leatherleaf viburnum benefits from annual fertilization to promote healthy growth and adequate flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring and again in mid-summer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label to avoid overfertilizing the plant, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Leatherleaf viburnum benefits from regular pruning to maintain a healthy shape, promote adequate airflow, and reduce disease incidence. Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and trim back the remaining stems to shape the plant.
Propagation of Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur.
Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. is a deciduous shrub that can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation via Seeds
The seeds should be collected in autumn, cleaned, and stored until spring. They can be stratified for 90-120 days before planting. To stratify the seeds, mix them with a moist substrate such as sand, vermiculite, or peat, and refrigerate them in a sealed plastic bag. After stratification, plant the seeds in a nursery bed or individual containers. The substrate should be moist and well-drained. Germination can take several months, and the success rate can be low.
Propagation via Cuttings
The cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer. Semi-hardwood cuttings are recommended, and they should be 4 to 6 inches long, with a diameter of about 0.25 inches. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving only two or three leaves on the top. Dip the lower end in rooting hormone powder and insert it into a substrate of perlite or vermiculite. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Place the container in a shady location with a temperature between 60 and 70°F. After several weeks, the cutting should produce roots and can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly to the ground.
Propagation via Layering
Layering is a method of propagation that involves bending a low branch towards the ground, making a small wound on its bark, and covering it with soil or a substrate. The branch should be secured in place with a stake. Roots will develop at the wound site, and after several months, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management
Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. can be affected by several diseases that can damage the plant or even kill it. One common disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to spray the plant with a fungicide and to remove any infected leaves or stems immediately.
Another disease that can affect Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. is leaf spot, which appears as black or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove any infected leaves immediately and to spray the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. can also be affected by several pests, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases. One common pest that can affect this plant is the Viburnum beetle, which feeds on the leaves of the plant and can cause severe damage. To manage Viburnum beetle infestation, it is recommended to manually remove the beetles and their larvae and to spray the plant with an insecticide if necessary.
Another pest that can affect Viburnum ×rhytidophylloides Sur. is the scale insect, which appears as small bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage scale insect infestation, it is recommended to manually remove the scales and to spray the plant with an insecticide if necessary.
