How to Prune Viburnum: Essential Techniques for Optimal Growth
How to Prune Viburnum?
To prune a Viburnum, follow these steps:
1.
Be cautious and avoid taking off too much wood.
Look twice before cutting.
2.
Use sharp, clean pruners to remove dead flowers.
Cut the stems back to a healthy leaf node or bud.
3.
Check for signs of pests and disease.
Cut back any diseased wood to healthy growth and dispose of clippings in the bin.
4.
Remove unshapely, thicker stems that have stopped flowering reliably.
Use loppers or a pruning saw, but don’t remove too many at once.
5.
Leave a 1-inch stub when cutting branches to allow for a natural healing callus to form.
6.
After pruning, feed the Viburnums with tree and shrub fertilizer and water as directed.
7.
Mulch the area around the plants to retain moisture and provide nutrients to the roots.
Additional tips:
– Viburnums generally don’t require pruning, but can be pruned for shaping or to remove damaged branches.
– More extensive pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, while light shaping can be done any time of year.
– Avoid pruning 2 months before the average first frost date to prevent damage to new growth.
– Use sharp bypass hand pruners for Viburnum pruning.
– Snowball Viburnum should be pruned after flowering.
– Thinning and shortening old or crowded plants can bring flowers to eye level.
– For established plants, remove 1/3 of the oldest stems every 2-3 years.
– Taller Viburnums can be pruned into attractive small trees.
– Prune young multi-stem viburnums to have 1-3 upright trunks and remove the rest.
– Allow Viburnums to reach 4 feet tall before removing lower branches for tree formation.
– For older Viburnums, select 1-3 healthy upright trunks or branches and remove unwanted ones.
Key Points:
- Be cautious and avoid taking off too much wood when pruning Viburnum
- Use sharp, clean pruners to remove dead flowers and cut back to a healthy leaf node or bud
- Check for signs of pests and disease and cut back any diseased wood
- Remove unshapely, thicker stems that have stopped flowering reliably, but don’t remove too many at once
- Leave a 1-inch stub when cutting branches to allow for natural healing
- After pruning, feed the Viburnums with tree and shrub fertilizer, water as directed, and mulch the area around the plants
Did You Know?
1. Viburnum is derived from the Latin word “viburnum,” which means “to twine,” referring to the flexible nature of the plant’s branches that can be easily shaped and pruned.
2. The Chinese Snowball Viburnum (Viburnum macrocephalum) is named after its large, round clusters of pure white flowers that resemble snowballs, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
3. Viburnum opulus, commonly known as the European Cranberry Bush, produces berries that are edible and tart in flavor. They can be used in jellies, jams, and even to make a delicious cranberry-like sauce.
4. Viburnum plants are often associated with folklore and superstitions. In some cultures, it is believed that placing viburnum leaves under the pillow can enhance dreams and bring about good luck.
5. The wood of certain viburnum species, such as blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), has been historically utilized for making tool handles, bows, and even fishing rods due to its strength and flexibility.
Proper Technique For Pruning Viburnum
When it comes to pruning viburnum, following the proper technique is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of these beautiful shrubs. The first rule to remember is to “look twice and cut once.” This means taking a moment to carefully observe the shrub and plan your cuts before actually pruning. By doing so, you can avoid the mistake of taking off too much wood, which could harm the viburnum.
To prune a viburnum, it is essential to use sharp and clean pruners. This ensures clean cuts that promote the plant’s healing process. Start by removing dead flowers, cutting the stems back to a healthy leaf node or bud. This not only promotes the overall appearance of the shrub, but also encourages new growth.
Removing Dead Flowers And Dealing With Pests And Disease
While pruning, it is essential to keep an eye out for signs of pests and disease. If you notice any diseased wood, it is crucial to cut it back to healthy growth. Dispose of the clippings in a bin rather than a compost heap to prevent the spread of any potential diseases. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting the health of your viburnum.
Trimming Unshapely And Non-Flowering Stems
As viburnums age, it is common for some stems to become unshapely and stop reliably flowering. To preserve the vitality and attractiveness of the shrub, it is important to remove these thicker stems. Loppers or a pruning saw are suitable tools for this task. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and avoid removing too many stems at once, as this can have a detrimental effect on the overall health of the viburnum.
- To maintain a viburnum’s vitality and attractiveness, remove unshapely and non-flowering stems.
- Use loppers or a pruning saw for this purpose.
- Avoid removing too many stems at once to prevent negative impact on the viburnum’s health.
“To preserve the health and beauty of a viburnum, it is crucial to regularly remove unshapely and non-flowering stems.”
Leaving A Healing Callus After Cutting Branches
When cutting branches, leave a stub approximately 1 inch long. This allows for the formation of a healing callus, which is a natural process that protects the plant from disease and promotes healing. By giving the viburnum time to naturally form this callus, you are aiding in its recovery and improving its overall health.
Feeding And Watering After Pruning
After completing the pruning process, it is essential to provide proper nourishment to the viburnums. This can be done by feeding them with a tree and shrub fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, it is important to water the shrubs adequately to ensure they receive the moisture they need during the recovery period.
Mulching For Moisture Retention And Nutrient Addition
To improve the health and growth of viburnums, mulching is recommended. Mulch serves as a protective layer, preventing water evaporation and providing nutrients as it breaks down. This not only benefits the viburnums but also supports the overall health of the garden.
Proper pruning techniques are essential for optimal growth and health of viburnums. Some important guidelines include following the “look twice and cut once” rule and using sharp, clean pruners. Removing dead flowers, promptly addressing pests and diseases, and trimming unshapely stems are crucial for maintaining an attractive and vibrant shrub. Leaving a healing callus after cutting branches aids in the viburnum’s recovery, while feeding and watering ensure its well-being. Additionally, mulching helps retain moisture and provides essential nutrients for the roots.
By incorporating these practices into your pruning routine, you can enjoy the beauty of healthy and flourishing viburnums in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you prune viburnum?
The best times to prune viburnum are during late winter, when they are dormant, and after they flower in late summer. Pruning during late winter allows for shaping and removing dead or damaged branches without sacrificing potential flowers. However, if you prefer to enjoy their beautiful blooms, pruning after they flower in late summer will still allow them to produce flower buds for the following spring. Timing the pruning carefully ensures a healthy and vibrant viburnum throughout the year.
Can viburnum be cut back hard?
Viburnums can indeed be cut back hard without any harm. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises pruning them after flowering in the spring. This hard prune stimulates the growth of new wood, giving you the results you desire. To ensure optimal growth, remember to mulch and feed the plants after pruning. So, be brave and give your viburnums a good, thorough prune for a healthier and more vibrant garden.
Do you have to deadhead viburnum?
Unlike many other flowering plants, most viburnums do not require deadheading. In fact, deadheading is generally unnecessary for viburnums as they bear fruit after the flowers have bloomed, and the removal of spent flowers does not impact their overall appearance or messiness. While deadheading may be a common practice for plants like lilacs to prevent a messy look, viburnums can be enjoyed without the need for such maintenance, allowing the fruit to develop naturally.
How do you prune a viburnum snowball?
To prune a viburnum snowball, start by identifying the oldest shoots near the ground. Carefully trim these shoots as close to the soil as possible using a clean pair of shears. Make sure not to remove more than a third of the shoots at a time, usually limiting it to 1 to 3 shoots. It’s important to leave the thinner, fresher shoots emerging from the base of the plant, as they contribute to the overall health and vitality of the viburnum snowball.