skip to main content

Help with Doublefile Viburnum

18 years ago

Hi,

I hoping someone can give me some information about a doublefile viburnum that I planted in my yard about 5 years ago.

The plant is presently about 6 feet tall and about as wide. It has bloomed, sparingly, for a couple of years (it isn't in the best soil and it often lacks for water in the summer. It's now in a location that is on a slope and drains very well, and it's in red clay soil. Maybe I should move it to a better location?)

What is odd about this plant is that there is a large stem and several branches therefrom that have sprung up from the main trunk of the plant. There is some very limited leaf activity along this stem. By that I mean that there are a few small leaves that appeared along this stem and associated branches last year. It's almost like this part of the plant is starving, but the rest of the plant seems ok.

This year, I'm going to mulch the plant well, and try to give it adequate water. Do Viburnums benefit from feeding and would it be beneficial to try to raise the pH with a little lime around the plant?

Or is this something out of the ordinary?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

magda
18 years ago
Which viburnum plicatum do you have?
I have two: Shasta and Summer Snowflake. They are woodland plants, so yours would benefit from some peat moss. Mix it with good gardening soil, and put it on top like you would put mulch on. You can do it again later in the summer and in the fall. You can then mulch on top of it too.
These viburnums don't really need to be fed- it all goes into the leaves, and not flowers then anyway. But,...they don't like the wind. Is your place windy?
The odd branch- no idea. Why don't you prune it?
garden_graphic_gal
18 years ago
They can also take several years until they finally bloom regulary and prolifically. I got so worried about mine a few years ago that I asked Walter Reeves about this and this is what he told me. He was right, a year later it bloomed beautifully, and has done so every year since.
Related Discussions
Have: Doublefile Viburnum Summer Snowflake
Q
Comments (0)
I hit a plant sale, and picked up an extra Viburnum plicatum tomentosum "Summer Snowflake", in hopes of trading for one of it's pollinators, such as Mariesii, Pink Beauty, Shasta, or Shoshoni. I know there are other doublefile viburnums that would work, but can't think of the names right now.This is a nice full plant ( not stressed at all)in a 2 gallon pot and I am not interested in small rooted cuttings.I'm looking for a nice plant.Even a couple decent size suckers, with good roots would be fine.We would need to wait until we have a cooler spell, or even fall, if you prefer, to swap.It's just too hot right now to mail plants.If interested in swapping, I would be happy to take a pic tomorrow and send. If you aren't interested in Summer snowflake, I will have nice suckers from my Viburnum sargentii "Onondaga", this fall. Thanks, Dee
...See More
Doublefile viburnum - stem dieback
Q
Comments (1)
Good morning. I have a problem with my cherry Laurel and after reading your post on stem dieback, I joined right away to learn how you: 1. were able to tell which disease affected your plants 2. what steps you took to save your plant I would really appreciate any help you can give. thanks
...See More
doublefile viburnum
Q
Comments (18)
I have 2 Viburnum plicatum tomentosum--1 is"Mariesii" and 1 is "Shasta", 1 V. rhytidophylloides "willowood", 1 V. dentatum? "cardinal candy", 2 V. burkwoodii mohawk. LOVE viburnums! Anyway-completely carefree are the burkwoodii (1 gets the sprinkler and 1 doesn't--no problems), rhytidophylloides--gets sprinkled-awesome shrub -flowers for me in spring and again in fall!!(the Allegheny variety doesn't bloom in fall-so get this one!) V. dentatum gets NO water--stunning fruit!! everyone asks about it. for the MARIESSII...1 is 7 ft. from a maple tree and is doing horrible--these seem to really need water-it gets sprinkled but just not getting enough sun i think. I just cut it to the ground because had so much dead and a new sprout with horizontal branching came up to the side of it! (we'll see). Other Mariessii (gets sprinkled) is a tree form and boy has it taken off!! planted too close to house (tag told me 12-15'wide) It just keeps getting bigger! I try to prune even though I know you shouldn't but I need to use my stairs! Here is what I do...in fall I trim the tips (sorry!) of whatever branches need it back to a set of 2 side branches--figure I am still encouraging the horizontal effect that way. Seems to be doing ok. I have done this for 3 yrs. Still get the flowers and fruit. Probably would be better display if I didn't prune--but still impressive looking!!
...See More
Doublefile Viburnum Sprouts
Q
Comments (4)
dig one up and find out .... ...this is how i got most of my lilacs ... if there is a decent root system ... and you can keep it watered all season ..then stick it where you want it ... but often ... it mostly just one root attached to the momma plant.. and you are better off potting it for the summer to grow a root mass ... and then plant it out in the garden ... im taking your word for it ... that this V does this ... ken
...See More
laceyvail 6A, WV
18 years ago
I strongly advise not using peat moss. In addition to being a non renewable resource, peat moss cakes up on the surface and makes it very difficult for water to wet it again and enter the soil. Organic matter is always good for soil, but there are far better sources--wood chip mulch, straw, leaves, etc--than peat moss.
joycenh
18 years ago
I would mulch it and try to keep it from drying out too much in the summer. They prefer to not be too dry.
gmaur
18 years ago
I agree, in your zone, no peat moss. Peat moss and red clay are not a good combination. Instead, use lots of compost, lots of water, mulch, and some shade.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES You Don't Need Prairie to Help Pollinators

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Woodlands, marshes, deserts — pollinators are everywhere

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Native Plants Help You Find Your Garden Style

By Oakley Gardens

Imagine the garden of your dreams designed with plants indigenous to your region

GARDENING GUIDES Hummingbird or Moth? See Why You Want Clearwings Around

By Pollination Press LLC

These fascinating moths may be helpful pollinators for your garden. Here’s how to coax them your way

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Sambucus Nigra

By Curtis Adams

Common elderberry is a highly adaptable shrub from the eastern U.S., with berries galore for wildlife and humans alike

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Great Plants for Borders and Screens

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Get the effects of a shrub but in less time — and drawing more winged pollinators — with these herbaceous perennials

ARBOR DAY 8 Reasons to Plant a Great Tree

By June Scott Design

Beauty is its own reward, but the benefits of planting the right tree in the right place go way beyond looks

FEEL-GOOD HOME 9 Smells You Actually Want in Your Home

By Design With Science

Boost memory, enhance sleep, lower anxiety ... these scents do way more than just smell good

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

FALL GARDENING Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spring is overrated for planting. Starting plants in autumn has advantages for both garden and gardener

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Green-Only Gardens Draw the Eye and Soothe the Spirit

Use plant and foliage variety to create a monochromatic landscape as visually pleasing as it is calming

Sponsored

Klaus Roofing of Ohio

Central Ohio's Source for Reliable, Top-Quality Roofing Solutions

More Discussions

How do you know spring has arrived?

58

Fix a Severely Root Bound Rhododendron planted over 10 years ago

8

Tall shrub or small tree. Verticillium wilt resistant.

2

What are these balls on my boxwood? buds? fungus?

2

What is this shrub?

3