Linden Viburnum
viburnum dilatatum
Also known as: ["Lindenleaf Viburnum","Thicket Viburnum"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub known for its attractive, glossy foliage and vibrant red berries that persist into winter.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","edible fruits","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum dilatatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden border or as a specimen plant in a mixed shrubbery
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate clay but prefers amended soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates more shade but may produce fewer berries; adjust for seasonal light changes.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for signs of stress; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity; use shade cloth if needed in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soil with organic matter; test pH annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 90°F; prefers cool winters and moderate summers.
Protect from frost in early spring; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn; fertilize before new growth emerges; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; layering in spring; seeds (stratify for 3 months before sowing).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for layering; fall for seed stratification.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%); warm temperatures (65–75°F); partial shade.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix (1:1); or coarse sand and peat moss.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; layering takes 6–12 months; seeds germinate in 1–2 years after stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags, misting spray bottle, rooting medium.
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 bushiness; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage air circulation; focus on maintaining a balanced form.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or fruiting.
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 new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply to encourage deep root growth; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; adjust frequency based on season (less in winter, more in summer); aim for consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
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 or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in prolonged cold; delayed flowering in temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth may slow or stop; buds may fail to open in extreme cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in harsh winters; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering and fruiting; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; follow label instructions; avoid late-season fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Viburnum dilatatum can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats if ingested. The compounds in the berries may lead to digestive irritation in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Viburnum dilatatum can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The lectins and other compounds present may lead to digestive irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Viburnum dilatatum contain lectins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the berries of Viburnum dilatatum edible?
A: Yes, the berries are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, or wine, though they are tart when raw.
Q: Does Viburnum dilatatum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to birds and other wildlife due to its berries and flowers.
Q: How much sunlight does Viburnum dilatatum require?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Quick Reference
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| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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