Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is a popular flowering shrub known for its hardy nature, showy white blooms, and attractive fall color. With proper care, these shrubs can live over 50 years. One of the keys to keeping your arrowwood viburnum healthy and encouraging prolific flowering is fertilization.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about fertilizing arrowwood viburnum, including:
- Why fertilizer is important
- When to fertilize
- What type of fertilizer to use
- How to apply fertilizer
- Organic fertilizer options
- Signs your shrub needs fertilizer
- Special considerations
Let’s get started with the basics of fertilizing this beautiful shrub!
Why Fertilizing Arrowwood Viburnum is Important
Fertilizer provides essential nutrients that all plants need to thrive. Just like people need a balanced diet, arrowwood viburnum needs the right combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (represented on fertilizer bags as N-P-K) along with micronutrients.
Without adequate nutrients, your shrub may experience:
- Reduced flowering and fruit production
- Poor fall foliage color
- Stunted growth
- Increased pest and disease problems
- Overall lackluster appearance
Fertilizing gives your plant the building blocks it needs for vigorous growth staying power against issues and promoting masses of white blooms in spring followed by blue-black berries.
When to Fertilize Arrowwood Viburnum
Arrowwood viburnum benefits from fertilizer applied at two key times during the growing season:
Spring
Early spring is prime feeding time for these shrubs. Apply fertilizer soon after new growth emerges in late winter or early spring. Where I live in zone 5 I target fertilizing around mid-March, but timing can vary by climate.
Spring fertilizing powers rapid growth and gets plants off to a strong start for the year. It also encourages bud development for the coming flowering season.
Fall
Though not as crucial as spring fertilizing, a second application in fall can promote winter hardiness. Apply fertilizer around September/October to support your plant going into dormancy.
Avoid fertilizing during summer heat or in late fall after growth has slowed. Focus fertilizer efforts in cooler weather when the plant can effectively utilize the nutrients.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Selecting a fertilizer with an ideal NPK ratio is key for arrowwood viburnum. The shrubs thrive when fertilized with:
- A balanced formula. Look for equal N-P-K percentages, such as 10-10-10.
- Slow or controlled-release nitrogen. This provides longer-lasting nutrition compared to quick-release sources.
- Higher phosphorus level. Phosphorus encourages flowering and fruiting. A ratio like 10-20-10 is great.
Always check labels and choose products specially formulated for ornamental trees and shrubs. Pick a brand you trust and avoid weed-and-feed combinations.
For mature, established shrubs, use 1⁄2 to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per plant annually. Split this amount between spring and fall. Read labels carefully, as the percentage of nitrogen varies widely between products.
How to Apply Fertilizer to Arrowwood Viburnum
Proper application technique is vital to avoid wasting product and potential plant damage. Follow these tips:
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Scatter granular fertilizer around the base of the shrub. Keep it 6 to 12 inches away from the main stem.
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Sprinkle lightly, and water thoroughly after applying to dissolve nutrients.
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Liquid fertilizers can be mixed per label instructions and poured around the root zone.
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Granular fertilizer spikes inserted into the soil work well. Push them evenly just outside the foliage line.
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If using compost or other organic products, scratch them lightly into the soil surface.
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Follow all label instructions carefully regarding product amount. More is NOT better when fertilizing!
Organic Fertilizer Options
If you prefer to take an organic approach, great choices for arrowwood viburnum include:
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Compost or aged manure worked into soil in spring
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Granular natural fertilizers with bone meal, alfalfa meal, kelp, and fish products
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Liquid fish emulsion or seaweed extract
Organic options break down more slowly so you can fertilize once a year. Use compost tea or products containing beneficial microbes to enhance soil biology and nutrient availability.
Signs Your Arrowwood Viburnum Needs Fertilizer
Keep an eye out for signals from your plant that it’s hungry for fertilizer. Some clues your shrub would benefit from feeding include:
- Lackluster flowering and fruiting
- Sparse leaf coverage or small leaves
- Pale green or yellowing leaves
- Minimal new growth
- Dieback in branches
- Increased susceptibility to pests/disease
Plants under stress “scream” for help through unhealthy signs. At the first hint of trouble, test soil pH and add balanced fertilizer. Proper care can often reverse decline and rejuvenate struggling shrubs.
Special Considerations for Fertilizing Arrowwood Viburnum
Tailor your fertilizing program to your specific growing conditions and plant health. Here are a few special factors to consider:
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Container-grown shrubs need more frequent feeding than in-ground plants.
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Fast-draining, sandy soils may necessitate extra fertilizer to replace leached nutrients.
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Harsh climates, drought, and other stresses increase fertilizer needs.
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Newly planted shrubs require only minimal fertilizer while establishing roots.
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Excess nitrogen can inhibit flowering. Increase phosphorus if blooms are lacking.
The better care you provide, the better your arrowwood viburnum will reward you with years of beauty. Pay close attention and let your plant’s needs guide your fertilizing schedule.
With the right feeding program, your arrowwood viburnum will flourish for decades to come. Follow this comprehensive guide, and you can expect thicker growth, bountiful flowers, vivid fall color, and an overall healthy, robust shrub. Happy fertilizing!
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How to Fertilize Viburnum
Most varieties of viburnum grow best in moderately acid to slightly alkaline soil between 5.5 and 8.0. The soil pH preference should be listed on the label of the plant species that you purchase. Before planting or fertilizing, you may want to test your soil to figure out what nutrients are lacking and what nutrients there may be too much of. You can purchase a home soil test kit or hire a professional to complete the test.
The root system of viburnum can grow 18 inches deep or more, but the feeder roots responsible for absorbing water and nutrients are in the top 12 inches of soil. Spreading fertilizer on the surface of the soil will reach the feeder roots. Starting a foot from the trunk of the shrub, spread the fertilizer evenly around each shrub to just outside of the branches. Water thoroughly so the fertilizer sinks into the soil.
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Viburnum consists of over 150 different species of plant. Hardy in zones 2 to 9, it is easy to find one that will thrive in your garden. These shrubs can grow well in average garden soil, but prefer slightly alkaline soil (7.0). Viburnums are hardy growers and do not require a lot of fertilizer. Unless your soil has a deficiency, you may not need any fertilizer at all. A simple soil test can determine the quality of your soil.
It is important to apply the correct fertilizer which will help promote healthy foliage and flowering. Less is more when it comes to fertilizing viburnum. Too much nitrogen in the soil will make your shrub put out a lot of foliage growth and very few blooms.
Fertilizing Time
FAQ
What is the best fertilizer for viburnums?
How often do you feed viburnum?
How to help viburnum grow faster?
Does arrowwood Viburnum need a lot of Sun?
Too little sun can impede flowering. Arrowwood viburnum prefers a loamy, well-drained soil and does best in an acidic soil pH. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay soil. Arrowwood viburnum needs at least a moderate amount of soil moisture, though mature plants have some drought tolerance. They also can handle occasional flooding.
How do you care for arrowwood Viburnum?
Fertilize annually in the spring with balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost. Arrowwood viburnum grows well in full sunlight to partial shade, meaning it needs at least roughly 4 hours of direct sunlight on most days. In hot climates, shade from the strong afternoon sun is ideal. Too little sun can impede flowering.
How do you grow arrowwood Viburnum?
Arrowwood viburnum has many flexible young stems that you can bend over and pin the soil. If you shave a little of the bark layer off just under a node and down to the cambium layer then pin that part under the soil the plant will form roots at that location underneath a node. Arrowwood Viburnum after being rooted in sand.
Why should you plant arrowwood Viburnum?
If you need one more reason to plant this easy-going shrub, here it is: Arrowwood Viburnum is a host plant for Spring Azure butterflies. A host plant is a specific plant that a bug or butterfly lays its eggs on. Without host plants like Arrowwood Viburnum, we would not have Spring Azure butterflies.