Sweet Viburnum
viburnum odoratissimum
Also known as: ["Sweet Viburnum","Aromatic Viburnum"]
Overview
A large evergreen shrub or small tree known for its glossy leaves and fragrant flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum odoratissimum |
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":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; can tolerate a range of soil types.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health; light pruning can be done anytime.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; can handle significant pruning but avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or filtered sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from scorching by providing shade during peak hours; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoor plants to dappled shade in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter for fertility; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures with slight cooling in winter.
Monitor temperature extremes; use mulch to regulate soil temperature; adjust watering based on heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize in spring before new growth; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood) in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and keep warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to encourage branching, and selective removal of old wood.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; best done after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune selectively, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, inspect roots, prune if needed, water after repotting, adjust care temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and improve structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or drop; vulnerable to frost damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or move to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid contact with roots, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicViburnum odoratissimum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxic substances that would pose a risk to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicViburnum odoratissimum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in the plant that would cause harm to canines if ingested or upon contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicViburnum odoratissimum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Viburnum odoratissimum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How fast does Viburnum odoratissimum grow?
A: It is considered a fast-growing plant, especially in favorable conditions.
Q: Does Viburnum odoratissimum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers and berries.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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