Low Growing Viburnums Can You Use Viburnum As Ground Cover

These trees and shrubs can shade out other plants or make it difficult to grow much in the area except, of course, weeds. Generally, a large go-to plant for trouble areas, low growing viburnums can be used as a ground cover in out-of-the-way sunny or shady spots.

Can you cut viburnum to the ground?

Oftentimes, taking up to a third of the shrub can achieve natural-looking results without harming the viburnum. For overgrown shrubs, reshaping may take several years of pruning to correct. Cut these plants close to the ground, leaving sturdier stems in place and removing any thin ones.

Can viburnum tolerate shade?

All viburnums thrive in sun or part shade, and some grow well in complete shade. ... Viburnums have attractive leaves, and many deciduous varieties display dramatic red to purple fall foliage. Some viburnums thrive in dry shade, while others need moist shade. Choose small or large types, depending on your gardening needs.

Do viburnum have deep roots?

The root system of a Viburnum might grow 18 inches deep or more but the majority of the feeder roots responsible for absorbing nutrients are in the top 12 inches of soil.

Is there a dwarf viburnum?

Dwarf European cranberrybush viburnum is Viburnum opulus 'Nanum. ' This shrub grows 18 to 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide. It has the same eye-catching leaves as the full size version, but this dwarf viburnum doesn't bloom or produce fruit. It's a good choice for a small viburnum hedge, like along a walkway or drive.

Can viburnum be cut back hard?

Viburnums generally require very little pruning, but hard pruning may be necessary if the growing area is too small for the species or if the plant is old and lackluster.

Can you keep viburnum small?

Viburnums can be cut back hard in late winter or early spring to keep compact. When pruning any shrub, though, the general rule of thumb is not to remove more than 1/3 of its growth.

What looks good with viburnum?

Choose companion plants with contrasting foliage, such as evergreen ferns. (Or, for a winter garden, pair with other early bloomers like crocuses and pansies.) Because viburnum doesn't self-pollinate regularly, plant several viburnum shrubs near each other.

Is Viburnum poisonous to dogs?

The ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List – Dogs under "Plants Non-Toxic to Dogs" lists blackhaw or sweet viburnum (Viburnum lentago) as being safe, no viburnum species are listed under "Plants Toxic to Dogs".

Will viburnum grow in full shade?

Unless noted, viburnums grow well in moist, well-drained soil in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. North American native viburnums and their cultivars are indicated by an asterisk.

What is the best fertilizer for viburnum?

Blood meal is a smart choice to apply in late winter or spring, as it breaks down rapidly to sweeten the soil for flowering. Later, alfalfa meal, compost, rotted manures and fish emulsion are all safe choices for fertilizing viburnums.

Does viburnum grow fast?

Although growth rates vary by species, viburnums in general grow moderately to rapidly.

Do viburnum lose their leaves in the winter?

As for viburnum, there are more than 150 varieties. Some are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves during winter, while others are evergreen and retain their leaves year-round. All viburnums should be planted in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with lots of organic matter.

Which is the best viburnum?

We've picked eight of our favourite viburnums to grow, below.

Viburnum davidii.
Viburnum opulus.
Viburnum x bodnantense.
Viburnum fordiae.
Viburnum macrocephalum.
Viburnum tinus.
Viburnum plicatum.
Viburnum sargentii.

Does viburnum bloom all summer?

The Doublefile Viburnum, V. plicatum, is the showiest of the clan, lining its long, spreading branches with pure white blooms in June. 'Summer Snowflake' puts on the same display but doesn't know when to quit. It blooms continuously all summer and into fall, a feat few hardy shrubs can match.

How do you shape viburnum?

To shape a viburnum, prune it lightly immediately after flowering. Remove the flower heads and cut back any branches that spoil the shape of the shrub to a pair of newly-sprouted leaves. Remember that removing the flower heads will preclude the formation of fruit, which can be very attractive in many viburnums.

When should I prune viburnum?

If you're pruning viburnums to restrain or shape their growth, the timing for when to prune viburnum is right after flowering. Viburnums typically form their flower buds for the following year during the summer after flowering. If you wait to prune viburnums in fall or early spring, you risk cutting off flower buds.

How do you take care of a viburnum bush?

When it comes to viburnum care, water shrubs during dry periods. It will also help to add mulch to retain moisture. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer to viburnums as well but this isn't required. In addition, pruning the shrub should be included with viburnum care.

How do I prune an overgrown viburnum?

Immediately after it flowers next spring, remove dead stems and suckers, and prune out one-third of the oldest stems. Continue removing the oldest stems each spring until the plant has an attractive and natural-looking shape.

Why does my viburnum smell?

Holes in the leaves of viburnums caused by the larvae and adults of viburnum beetle. Plants can be completely stripped of foliage and can emit a foul smell, which is thought to be caused by the excrement of the larvae.

Will deer eat viburnum?

You get a 3-for-1 deal with arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum). This deer-resistant shrub bears reddish fall foliage and bluish berries in addition to white flowers in the spring. ... This shrub also will spread, so remove its suckers if you want to keep it contained in one area.

Are viburnum berries poisonous?

The fruit of some species (e.g. V. lentago) are edible and can be eaten either raw or for making jam, while other species (e.g. V. opulus) are mildly toxic and can cause vomiting if eaten in quantity. The bark of some species is used in herbal medicine, as an antispasmodic and to treat asthma.