Numerous common names exist for the Appalachian tea tree, one of northeastern North America's most ornamental native shrubs. Not only are the white flower clusters pretty in spring, but the ensuing berry clusters and fall foliage ranges in numerous colors. This viburnum's silhouette is upright but spreading, forming a rounded outline.
Newly emerging leaves in very early spring have an alluring coppery or brown-purple sheen. Frosts do not harm the early-to-sprout foliage. As the leaves mature to their tapered oval shape, they become a duller medium green. Depending on climate, viburnum blooms in late spring to just after the summer solstice. The white flowers occur in flat, ball-like clusters. Each flower has prominent yellow stamens. After insects pollinate the blooms, the fruit cluster dazzles the eye. The small round berries change from pink, rose, sky blue and dark blue en route to autumn. In addition, the leaves turn a haphazard blend of yellow, orange, red and purple in fall before dropping away.
Grow viburnum in full sun to partial shade in any moist, well-drained to average soil that's not alkaline. In hot summer areas, site the shrub in more shade, or ensure the soil is consistently moist. Flowering and fruiting is more abundant in sunnier sites. Multiple shrubs also increase the chance for cross-pollination and prolific berry production. Plant viburnum in woodland gardens, a mixed border or naturalistic massed groups. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Viburnum
Species - Cassinoides
Common name - Tea Berry / Withe Rod
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 8
Height - 6'-15' / 1.8m - 4.6m
Spread - 5'-12' / 1.5m - 3.7m
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Clay, loam, sand
Water requirements - Average
Landscape uses - Bog Garden, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
Germination rate - 89%
Bloom season - Late Spring, Early Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Blue-green / White
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. 2. Sow seeds so they are just covered or nestled among soil particles in a seed tray. Use a peat-based potting mix that drains well and remains moist. Or, incorporate sand into the peat mix to create a moist, well-draining, fine-particle soil. 3. Place the seedling tray in a brightly lit (not baking in direct sun) garden location, greenhouse or indoor room where the temperature hovers around 68F (+20C) for a period of three months. Keep the soil moist, but never wet/soggy. This is a "warm season stratification". 4. Relocate the seedling tray to the cold frame outdoors (or a refrigerator) where the temperature hovers around +1-+3C for three to five months. Keep the soil barely moist. 5. Remove from the cold stratification area and again place the seedling tray into a warm, bright location where the temperature is around +18-+20C degrees. Keep the tray exposed to this warm environment for three to six months. Look for any germinating seeds. If none is seen, repeat the process again. Info source: eHow.com |