Origin
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee, commonly known as the Blue Ridge Viburnum, is a species of plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to the southeastern part of the United States, particularly in the Blue Ridge Mountains region, but can also be found in other parts of the country such as Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
Common Names
The Blue Ridge Viburnum is also known by other names such as Mountain Viburnum, Southern Arrowwood, and Smooth withered-leaf Viburnum.
Uses
The Blue Ridge Viburnum is primarily used for ornamental and landscaping purposes. Its beautiful foliage and attractive flowers make it a great addition to any garden or landscape design. Also, its fruits are edible and have been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for problems such as cough, fever, and eye infections.
General Appearance
The Blue Ridge Viburnum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has an upright and spreading habit with a rounded crown. The leaves are simple, opposite, and oval-shaped, with finely toothed edges and a glossy dark green color that turns reddish-purple in the fall. The flowers are small and white and form clusters that can measure up to 6 inches in diameter. The fruit is a red to black drupe that is ¼ inch in diameter and ripens in the fall. The bark is gray-brown and smooth with long thin lenticels.
Light Requirements
The Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee prefers a partially shaded environment. It can tolerate full sun exposure but not for an extended period. The plant can also grow in a highly shaded area but with reduced vigor and fewer blooms.
Temperature Requirements
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate extremely cold temperatures below freezing for short periods. However, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can damage the plant's leaves and other sensitive parts.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee is moist, fertile, and well-drained. The plant also prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil moist.
Cultivation Methods
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. It is essential to prepare the soil before planting by removing weeds, rocks, and debris and adding organic matter that can help retain moisture.
It is ideal to plant the Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee in spring or fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The mature size of this plant can reach up to 10 feet in height and nearly as wide, so it is crucial to plan the planting space accordingly.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential during the first year of planting, and it is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry weather, the Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee might require additional water. However, it is vital to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee is not heavy feeders, so excessive fertilizer can harm the plant. Instead, it is ideal to use a balanced time-release fertilizer during the spring or early summer. Alternatively, a layer of compost or organic matter applied during the fall can provide the necessary nutrients for the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee is not necessary, but it can help maintain the desired shape and remove dead or diseased branches. It is best to prune the plant during its dormant season in late winter or early spring to stimulate new growth. It is crucial to avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce the number of flowers during the blooming season.
Propagation of Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee
There are several methods of propagating Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee, including seed propagation, cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
Propagation by seed is one of the simplest methods for propagating this plant. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, kept constantly moist, and kept at a steady temperature of 70-75°F.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings are taken during the summer months, using semi-hardwood cuttings approximately 4-6 inches in length. These cuttings are typically taken from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then placed in a well-draining soil mix, covered with plastic, and kept in a warm, bright area.
Layering
Layering is another easy propagation method for Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee. In early spring, choose a low-growing branch and bend it down to the ground. Make a small cut in the bark where the branch will touch the ground. Cover the area with soil and keep it moist. Roots will form at the cut, and once they have established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Disease Management:
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the leaves to develop brown spots, eventually leading to their distortion and defoliation. To manage this disease, ensure good air circulation in the plant's surroundings, avoid overhead watering, and prune out the infected branches.
- Crown gall: This bacterial disease results in the formation of rough galls on the plant's crown or roots. There is no cure for this disease; thus, prevention is crucial. Use sterilized pruning tools, avoid injuring the plant while mowing, and choose healthy nursery stock for planting.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease manifests as white powdery spots on the leaves and can cause severe defoliation. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant, water the plant's base instead of overhead, and use fungicides if the disease is severe.
Pest Management:
Viburnum carolinianum Ashe var. cismontanum McAtee is also vulnerable to a few insect pests, including:
- Scale insects: These insects appear as small bumps on the plant's leaves, bark, or stems. To manage this pest, prune out the infested branches, spray horticultural oil on the remaining plant, and release natural predators like lacewings.
- Aphids: These tiny insects cluster on the plant's new growth and suck the sap, causing severe stunting. To control this pest, use strong jets of water to dislodge them, apply insecticidal soap, or release beneficial insects like lady beetles to feed on them.
