Overview
Viburnum rufotomentosum, commonly known as Southern Rusty Blackhaw, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Adoxaceae family and is closely related to honeysuckles.
Description
The plant typically grows up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with a rounded shape. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and can measure up to 6 inches long. The leaves turn a vibrant red color in the fall. The plant produces small, white flowers in the spring and blue-black berries in the late summer and fall.
Common Names
Viburnum rufotomentosum is commonly known as Southern Rusty Blackhaw, or simply Rusty Blackhaw.
Uses
The plant is often used as a landscape shrub or a specimen plant for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit. The berries are attractive to birds and wildlife.
The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, rheumatism, and headaches. The bark and leaves contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Overall, Viburnum rufotomentosum is a versatile and attractive shrub that is valued for its aesthetic and medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Viburnum rufotomentosum Small prefers full sun to partial shade with at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot summers, it may benefit from afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). It does well in cool to moderate climates and may struggle in areas with extremely hot summers.
Soil Requirements
Viburnum rufotomentosum Small prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It does not tolerate excessively wet soil and may suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained areas. Amending the soil with organic matter can improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation
Viburnum rufotomentosum is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It prefers well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant is ideal for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
You can use cuttings or seeds to propagate new plants. Cuttings taken in the summer or early autumn work best, while seeds should be started indoors about six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date. After germination, seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they have reached a height of about six inches.
Watering Needs
Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering to prevent the soil from becoming too wet, and in summer, don't let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization
Viburnum rufotomentosum benefits greatly from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release formula. Feeding the plant once a month during the growing season will help encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first, followed by any crossing branches or those that are rubbing against each other. Cut back any overgrown stems to maintain the plant's shape and size.
Regular pruning will also help increase flowering by encouraging new growth. Cutting back the stems by about one-third every year or two can help keep the plant healthy and promote a more compact habit.
Propagation of Viburnum rufotomentosum Small
Viburnum rufotomentosum Small, also known as 'Rusty Blackhaw' is commonly propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, and seed.
Softwood Cuttings
Softwood cuttings are typically taken from May to June when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the plant. Remove leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Place cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep consistently moist. It is best to keep the cuttings in a warm, bright, and humid environment.
Hardwood Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings can be taken during the dormant season, typically between November and February. Cuttings should be approximately 6-8 inches long and taken from the previous year's growth. Remove leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep consistently moist. Keep the cuttings in a cool, bright and humid environment.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected in the fall and should be cleaned and stratified for 90-120 days. Stratification can be achieved by placing seeds in a plastic bag with a moist peat moss and sand mixture and storing in the refrigerator. After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep consistently moist. It is best to keep the soil mix in a warm, bright, and humid environment until seedlings are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Viburnum rufotomentosum Small
Viburnum rufotomentosum Small, commonly known as Rusty Blackhaw, is a shrub that is native to North America. Like any other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Viburnum rufotomentosum and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor in the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is best to prune heavily infected areas and increase air circulation around the plant. Applying fungicides can also be helpful.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can lead to premature leaf drop and defoliation. To manage leaf spot, it is best to remove infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pests
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They secrete a protective waxy covering that makes them difficult to manage. To manage scale insects, it is best to prune heavily infested areas and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and browning of the foliage. They thrive in dry, hot conditions. To manage spider mites, it is best to increase humidity levels around the plant, prune heavily infested areas, and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Overall, maintaining healthy soil and proper watering and fertilizing practices will help keep Viburnum rufotomentosum healthy and more resistant to diseases and pests.
