Blackhaw Viburnum.

En un coup d'œil

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous shrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

4 to 5 meters

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 9

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Entretien

Plant this shrub in well-draining soil and ensure it gets enough sunlight to keep it happy. Watch for signs of stress like drooping leaves which might indicate it needs a bit more water during dry spells. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids during the spring growth flush.

Watering

Water consistently until the plant is established, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.

Feeding

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring before new growth starts.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering to shape the shrub and remove any dead or crossing branches.

Repotting

If grown in a container, move to a larger pot every few years to refresh the soil.

Soil

Well-draining, loamy, or clay soils

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral

Temperature

-30 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 30 to 50 years.

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Sécurité

People

The plant is generally considered non toxic to humans, though the berries should be consumed with caution.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The berries may pose a minor choking hazard to small children if ingested in large amounts.

Contact allergens

There are no significant skin irritants associated with this plant.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can cause mild seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

While the fruits are technically edible, they can cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities or when underripe.

Comment l'identifier

• Oval leaves with finely serrated edges
• Clusters of small white spring flowers
• Dark blue to black edible berries
• Stiff branches with dark gray bark

Height

3 to 5m

Spread

2 to 4m

Leaves

green, red, purple, deciduous

Flowers

white, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

blue, black, Late summer to autumn

Problèmes courants

• Viburnum leaf beetle — Small beetles that can cause significant defoliation if left unchecked.
• Powdery mildew — A fungal issue that creates a white dusty coating on the leaves during humid weather.

La cultiver

Propagation

cuttings, seed, division

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

It is fully hardy and requires no special protection during the winter months.

In containers

It is generally too large for long term container growth unless kept in a very large tub.

Plant it with other native woodland shrubs to create a layered habitat for birds.

Bonnes associations

• Serviceberry — They share similar soil and light requirements in woodland settings.
• Wild Ginger — It makes a lovely ground cover beneath the shrub.

À éloigner de

• None notable — It is a very adaptable plant that does not have specific plant enemies.

Espèces similaires

• Nannyberry — It has a similar growth habit but slightly different leaf shape.

Science

Family

Viburnaceae

Genus

Viburnum

Order

Dipsacales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern and central North America.

Conservation

It is not currently of conservation concern and is widely distributed across its native range.

It thrives in woodland borders and thickets where it provides essential cover and food for local wildlife.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, fruit for birds

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Uses

ornamental shrub, wildlife hedge, woodland garden

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

How big does it get?

It typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall and wide.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun to partial shade for the best flowering.

D'où vient le nom

The name prunifolium refers to the leaves, which resemble those of a plum tree. Viburnum is the ancient Latin name for the wayfaring tree.

Bon à savoir

• It is often called blackhaw because the fruit turns a dark, bluish black when ripe.
• The leaves turn a beautiful deep red or purple in the fall.
• It can be grown as a large shrub or a small, multi stemmed tree.