Blackhaw Viburnum
viburnum prunifolium
Also known as: ["Sweet Viburnum","Stagbush"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, known for its clusters of white flowers, blue-black berries, and attractive foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum prunifolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–29 to 43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates clay but prefers improved drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove dead or damaged wood as needed throughout the year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for shaping or rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates more shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation in shaded areas.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend clay soils with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter lows to -30°F (-34°C).
Protect from late frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; adjust watering in heatwaves.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in late winter/early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stems.
- Cut 4–6 inches below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (if using).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Early summer for softwood cuttings; late winter/early spring for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and partial shade for softwood cuttings; cooler (60–65°F or 15–18°C) for hardwood cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining medium like perlite and peat moss mix; can also root in water for softwood cuttings.
Hormone
Recommended for hardwood cuttings; optional for softwood cuttings.
Timeline
Softwood cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; hardwood cuttings may take 2–3 months to root and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for hardwood cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches at the base; heading cuts to shorten branches for shape.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage flowering. Light pruning after flowering is ideal for most varieties.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded areas; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting is necessary.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Generally not required unless grown in containers. Outdoor plants rarely need repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if pot-bound; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry moderately before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold without protection; delayed bud break in late spring frosts.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; buds may fail to open; young growth can be damaged by sudden freezes.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; protect with burlap screens in extreme cold; avoid late-season pruning to prevent frost damage.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering; stunted growth in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in early spring; use balanced formula; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply lightly around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with stems. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to avoid new growth susceptible to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicViburnum prunifolium is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is safe for feline exposure and ingestion under normal conditions.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicViburnum prunifolium is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant poses no significant risk to canine health when ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicViburnum prunifolium, commonly known as blackhaw viburnum, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant is generally safe for consumption and handling.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Viburnum prunifolium toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Viburnum prunifolium attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: How much maintenance does Viburnum prunifolium require?
A: It requires moderate maintenance, including occasional pruning and watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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