Viburnums can be some of the fastest growing shrubs in the garden. Depending on the species and the specific environment in which it is grown, it could take as little as 1 year for a viburnum to reach its mature height of 2 to 15 feet.
Viburnums have a rapid growth rate with some species growing up to 3 feet per year. They are also long-lived shrubs, living up to 20 years in favorable conditions.
Given these variables, proper care and plenty of sunlight, a viburnum can reach its full size quite quickly and even produce flowers and fruit within the first year. Since viburnum shrubs are hardy in most climates, they are an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking for fast growth and a long lasting addition to their landscape.
Which viburnum is fastest growing?
The viburnum that is the fastest growing is likely to depend on the specific variety of viburnum you are considering. For example, the Viburnum tinus is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall in a single year.
Other examples of fast-growing viburnums include the Doublefile Viburnum, which is also evergreen and can reach up to 6-8 feet in a single growing season. The Japanese Snowball Viburnum can reach up to 10 feet in one growing season and the Korean Spice Viburnum can reach up to 6-8 feet per year, although the full height of this particular shrub can be as much as 8-12 feet tall.
Additionally, the Korean Spice Viburnum can bloom several times throughout the spring and summer, giving your garden a burst of viburnum flowers.
How big does a Allegheny viburnum get?
The Allegheny Viburnum, also known as Viburnum x rhytidophylloides, can reach large sizes when given the right growing conditions. Generally, this species of viburnum can reach a height of 10 to 15 feet and a width of 8 to 10 feet when mature.
Because this type of viburnum is not an overly fast grower, it may take several years for it to reach its full size and shape. Additionally, ensure the plant is given adequate water and Sun exposure, as well as pruned and shaped as desired, in order for it to reach its maximum size at maturity.
How far apart should I plant viburnum?
When planting viburnum, it is important to consider the mature size of the shrub and the space needed for optimal growth. Generally, you should plant viburnum bushes approximately 4-6 feet apart, depending on the specific variety.
If you are planting more than one row of shrubs, space the rows far enough apart that the branches of one shrub do not interfere with the growth of the other shrubs. When planting the shrubs, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but of similar depth.
Place the root ball into the hole, making sure the roots are not twisted. Fill the hole with soil, packing it lightly against the root ball. Once planted, water the shrub generously and spread 2-3 inches of mulch around it.
What is the fastest growing shrub?
The fastest growing shrub is cotoneaster lacteus, commonly known as Sand Pear or Beachberry. This shrub is native to the east coast of the United States and is one of the few species of cotoneaster with an annual growth rate of more than 24″ per year.
It grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soil and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. In addition, it is drought-tolerant once established and is salt tolerant, making it particularly well-suited for coastal settings.
Additionally, it is low-maintenance and fairly pest and disease resistant, making it a great choice for gardens and landscaping.
How can I make my Viburnum grow faster?
First, make sure the plant has plenty of light. Place it in an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Also, make sure it’s receiving enough water. Viburnums need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or from manual watering.
Fertilize your Viburnum in the spring and summer with a fertilizer that’s specifically formulated for acid-loving shrubs and trees. Additionally, be sure to prune your Viburnum anytime new growth appears to help it form a denser and fuller shape.
Lastly, add natural organic matter to the soil such as compost or manure to help your Viburnum get the nutrients it needs to grow quickly and luxuriantly.
Can viburnum tolerate shade?
Yes, viburnum is a versatile shrub that can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It will, however, produce larger, more abundant blooms and berries in areas with more sunshine. Viburnum shrubs are adaptable and require less maintenance, which makes them a great addition to shaded areas of the garden.
Like any other plant, they still need regular watering and fertiliser to thrive. Depending on the variety of viburnum, the shrub may tolerate heavier shade, but the foliage and blooms may not be as full.
In heavier shade areas, consider planting more unusual varieties of viburnum, especially those that have dark foliage or heavily scented flowers. As long as your viburnum is being watered regularly and is receiving enough light, it should thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
Where is the place to plant a viburnum?
When it comes to viburnums, they are typically quite adaptable and can handle both full sun and part shade locations. Viburnums generally require moist, well-drained soil and thrive best in slightly acidic soils.
Since viburnums are prone to root rot and fungal diseases, avoid planting them in areas subject to poor drainage and standing water. A spot near buildings or on the side of a hill that gets an extended period of full morning sun, would be an ideal location for viburnum.
Are viburnum low maintenance?
Viburnums are low maintenance shrubs that can provide excellent year-round interest to any landscape. They are easy to care for with minimal pruning and just a few basic requirements. Native to America and Asia, most viburnums require full sun and well-drained soil to grow successfully.
In terms of hardiness, many viburnums are hardy to USDA zone 4 while others are hardy to zone 8 or higher. Viburnums require minimal maintenance to thrive. Pruning is only necessary if growth is excessively dense or regarding shaping.
Heavy pruning should only be done in the late winter or early spring. Fertilizing your shrub is only necessary if the viburnum is not in a healthy and vigorous growing, otherwise this is not necessary.
In terms of diseases and pests, viburnums are fairly resistant to these and minimal treatment is usually necessary. Careful watering is important as viburnums prefer a medium amount of moisture in the summer but not much in the winter season.
They are very low maintenance, provided they’re given plenty of sun and kept in well-drained soil.
Do viburnums need a lot of water?
No, viburnums do not need a lot of water. In fact, too much water can be detrimental to their growth and flowering. Viburnums typically do best in locations with well-draining soil and regular, light amounts of water.
To help ensure the viburnums’ optimal health, the soil should be enriched with plenty of organic material, such as compost. Additionally, they respond well to pruning and can handle heavy pruning if needed.
During dry periods, viburnums should be watered regularly and deeply. On average, they need between 1 and 2 inches of water per week during the spring and summer.
What can I plant next to viburnum?
One of the best compliments for viburnum are shrubs and perennials that flower in the same conditions that viburnum is acclimated to. Great plants to consider for such combinations include flowering shrubs such as abelia, mapleleaf viburnum, snowball bush, burning bush, boxwood, Pieris, and wax myrtle.
For perennial color, try hosta, ferns, sedge, lavender, coreopsis, liriope, daylily, and Ajuga. These plants provide color and texture to the garden and look great when planted in the same bed as viburnum.
If a formal look is desired, boxwood or holly can work well. When selecting plants to combine with viburnum, keep in mind that it will grow best in full sun or part shade and well-drained soil. It is best to choose companions that thrive in the same environment.
Do viburnum lose their leaves in the winter?
Yes, viburnum lose their leaves in the winter. Most viburnum species are deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves in the late fall or winter, often after the flowering and fruiting period is over.
During the winter, viburnums often develop distinctive, dried flower heads, which can last throughout the remainder of the cold season. Depending on the species of viburnum, the leaves may turn shades of red, yellow, or purple before dropping off the plant, adding winter interest and beauty to the garden.
Finally, some species of viburnum, like the Chinese snowball, don’t experience leaf loss until late winter or early spring.