David Viburnum
viburnum davidii
Also known as: ["David’s Viburnum","Evergreen Viburnum"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of small, white flowers followed by blue-black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum davidii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to full sun; protect from intense afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun preferred; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, amend with organic matter, maintain consistent moisture, avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; tolerates mild frosts; prefers 50–75°F (10–24°C); protect from extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; layering can also be effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix with added sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent plant, keep medium moist, provide bottom heat if possible, avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading cuts to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant, remove dead/diseased wood, encourage bushier growth; best done after flowering or in late winter.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune after flowering, remove dead wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fresh potting mix, ensure good drainage, trim roots if pot-bound, water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, prune roots if needed, water well.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth slows; potential dieback of tender stems.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in severe cold; avoid overwatering in winter.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop; reduced flowering; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil nutrients, use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce feeding in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicViburnum davidii berries may cause mild gastrointestinal distress in cats if consumed. The plant is not highly toxic, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicViburnum davidii berries can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in significant amounts. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicViburnum davidii is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The berries are not known to cause significant toxicity, though ingestion in large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Viburnum davidii deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant.
Q: Does Viburnum davidii require full sun?
A: It can tolerate partial shade but thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Are the berries of Viburnum davidii edible?
A: The berries are mildly toxic to humans and should not be consumed.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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