Viburnum consists of over 150 varieties of plant. Viburnums bloom in the spring and its leaves change colors as the season moves along. Some species of viburnum will bear fruit, feeding wildlife during the winter months. Depending on the variety, viburnums overwinter in hardiness zones 2 to 9. Due to its ability to survive winter conditions, this shrub offers year round color and interest to your garden.
Generally speaking, viburnums are very hardy; however, they can sometimes experience winter injuries. Exposure to harsh snow or wind could result in leaf burn. The leaves will remain on the branch but will turn brown. You can loosely wrap burlap around the shrub if extra protection is needed. As you prepare the shrub for colder months, stop fertilizing and watering in the fall. Place mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and to help control the soil temperature.
Cutting Back Viburnum For Winter
Pruning viburnums is not necessary unless you are looking to shape the plant or control its growth. Maintenance pruning of dead or damaged branches can be done anytime during the growing season. For deciduous varieties, pruning is done after flowering. Evergreen varieties should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Do not prune at all when frost is on the way. This can damage new growth that is on the way.
Watering Viburnum in Winter
Viburnums like moist well drained soil. To prepare for colder weather, it is best to stop watering the shrub in the fall. During the winter, viburnums are not active growers so the evaporation of water is slower and the plant needs much less water. Placing mulch around the base of the shrub will help to conserve moisture as it rains or snows.
Steps To Care For Viburnum in Winter
Viburnums overwinter very well and can withstand cold weather conditions. Despite its hardiness, there are a few things you can do to help out your shrub.
- Stop watering in the fall
- Add mulch to the base of the plant
- Do not prune when frost is approaching.
- Loosely wrap the shrub in burlap if extreme snow or wind is on the horizon
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Author Chris Link - Published 02-19-2021 |