Viburnums are beautiful shrubs that are commonly used in landscaping due to their attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and berries. They come in different sizes and varieties, and can be used as specimen plants, hedges, or screens. One important factor to consider when planting viburnums is the amount of space to leave between each plant. In this article, we will discuss how much space is needed for each viburnum plant.
Before deciding on the spacing for viburnum plants, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration:
Mature size of the plant: Viburnums come in different sizes, from small shrubs that grow up to 4 feet tall to large trees that can reach up to 30 feet tall. It is important to know the mature size of the plant you are planting so that you can provide enough space for it to grow.
Purpose of planting: The purpose of planting viburnums will also determine the spacing needed. If you are planting them as specimen plants, you may want to give them more space so that they can stand out. If you are using them as a hedge or screen, you may want to plant them closer together.
Soil type and fertility: Soil type and fertility will also affect the spacing needed for viburnums. If you have fertile soil, your plants may grow larger and may need more space. If your soil is poor, your plants may not grow as large and may not need as much space.
The recommended spacing for viburnum plants will depend on the variety and mature size of the plant. Here are some general guidelines for spacing:
Small shrubs: Small viburnums that grow up to 4 feet tall should be spaced about 3 to 4 feet apart.
Medium shrubs: Medium-sized viburnums that grow up to 8 feet tall should be spaced about 6 to 8 feet apart.
Large shrubs: Large viburnums that grow up to 12 feet tall should be spaced about 10 to 12 feet apart.
Trees: Viburnum trees that can grow up to 30 feet tall should be spaced about 20 to 30 feet apart.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines and the spacing may vary depending on the variety of viburnum and the purpose of planting.
Here are some tips for planting viburnums:
Prepare the soil: Viburnums prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Make sure to prepare the soil before planting by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure.
Plant at the right depth: When planting viburnums, make sure to plant them at the same depth as they were in their container. Planting too deep or too shallow can cause problems for the plant.
Water regularly: Viburnums need regular watering, especially during their first year of growth. Make sure to water them deeply once a week during dry spells.
Mulch around the base: Mulching around the base of viburnum plants can help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.
Q: Can viburnums be planted in full sun or shade?
A: Most viburnums prefer partial shade to full sun. However, some varieties such as arrowwood viburnum and wayfaring tree viburnum can tolerate full shade.
Q: How often should I fertilize my viburnum plants?
A: Viburnums do not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize them once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Do viburnums require pruning?
A: Viburnums do not require regular pruning. However, if you want to shape or control the size of the plant, you can prune them in late winter or early spring before they start to grow new leaves.
Q: Are viburnums deer-resistant?
A: Most viburnums are deer-resistant, but some varieties such as the American cranberrybush viburnum may be more attractive to deer.