Nannyberry Viburnum
viburnum lentago
Also known as: ["Shepherd's Bush","Sweet Viburnum","Nannyberry"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its glossy leaves, creamy-white flowers, and edible blue-black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","edible fruits"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum lentago |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed shrub border or as a specimen plant in garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to good drainage.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
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 plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Place in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade if possible.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; monitor for leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal sun intensity.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 2–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F). Tolerates cold winters but benefits from protection in extreme heat.
Protect from extreme heat; ensure winter hardiness; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
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), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or a well-draining potting medium.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting system or plastic bag, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; maintain consistent humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid overpruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Generally, Viburnum lentago is a large shrub and may not need frequent repotting if planted in the ground.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly to allow deep penetration and avoid runoff. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture levels.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; reduced flowering in suboptimal temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; buds may fail to open; overall growth may slow or stop in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in winter to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop; reduced flowering; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid contact with roots; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply according to package directions, avoiding overfertilization.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of Viburnum lentago berries by cats may result in mild gastrointestinal distress due to tannins. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but caution is advised to prevent overconsumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Viburnum lentago can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to their tannin content. While not highly toxic, ingestion in large amounts may lead to discomfort and mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicViburnum lentago berries are generally considered non-toxic to humans, but excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high tannin content. The plant does not pose significant toxicological risks under normal exposure conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Viburnum lentago toxic to pets?
A: No, Viburnum lentago is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Viburnum lentago attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and berries.
Q: Can the berries of Viburnum lentago be eaten?
A: Yes, the blue-black berries are edible and often used in jams and preserves.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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