Smooth Arrowwood
viburnum recognitum
Also known as: ["Arrowwood Viburnum"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its glossy leaves and clusters of white flowers followed by blue-black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum recognitum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils without amendments.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates a range of soil types.
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, but avoid excessive cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight preferred, but tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor for leaf scorch, provide shade during peak heat, rotate plants for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Test soil pH, amend with organic matter, ensure good drainage, avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates cold winters and moderate heat; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) for optimal growth.
Protect from frost in early spring, shield from intense summer heat, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once a year in spring, water before applying, use half-strength if unsure.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer; layering can also be effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots, pot up when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or coarse sand with some organic matter.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings, keep medium consistently moist, provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and shaping cuts to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or diseased wood; avoid heavy pruning after flowering.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, pruning saw for larger branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at correct time, make clean cuts, remove debris, monitor recovery.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
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.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, place in suitable location.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, observe plant response.
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 to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may discolor or drop; growth slows or halts; young or weak plants may suffer tissue damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap screens in extreme cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering and growth.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose appropriate fertilizer, apply at correct time, water after application, monitor plant response.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicViburnum recognitum is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from this species.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicViburnum recognitum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from this species.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicViburnum recognitum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Viburnum recognitum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: Is Viburnum recognitum toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How much sunlight does Viburnum recognitum need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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