How to Repot an Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub

When I moved into my new house the previous owner left some beautiful arrowwood viburnum shrubs in the front yard. These deciduous shrubs have eye-catching white flowers in spring, dark green foliage in summer and vibrant red berries and purple-red fall color. I wanted to keep them looking healthy and happy in their new home. After doing some research, I learned that viburnums benefit from repotting every few years as they become rootbound. So I decided it was time to repot my arrowwood viburnums to help them thrive. Follow along as I walk through the easy process step-by-step.

When to Repot

The best time to repot an arrowwood viburnum is in early spring, before the shrub breaks dormancy I try to repot mine in late February or March This gives the roots time to establish themselves before the shrub starts actively growing for the season. It’s best to avoid repotting in fall since the plant needs time to recover before going dormant for winter.

Supplies Needed

Repotting arrowwood viburnum is a quick and easy process if you have the right supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Garden shovel and pruning shears
• Container 2-3 inches larger than the current pot
• Repotting soil mix
• Slow release fertilizer
• Gravel or pebbles for drainage

I like to use a soil mix specially formulated for shrubs and trees, which has the right balance of drainage and moisture retention. Make sure any container you select has drainage holes. Gravel helps improve drainage to keep the roots from getting waterlogged. And fertilizer gives the viburnum a nutritional boost after being disturbed from repotting.

How to Repot Arrowwood Viburnum

Follow these simple steps for repotting your arrowwood viburnum:

Remove from Current Pot

Start by gently removing the viburnum from its current container. I like to set the plant on its side and hold the base while firmly tapping the rim of the pot. This helps loosen the roots from the container. You can also try squeezing the sides of the pot or rocking the plant back and forth to help it slide out more smoothly.

Prune Roots if Needed

Inspect the root ball and prune away any roots that are congested or circling the perimeter. This encourages new root growth. Be careful not to remove more than 1⁄4 of the root system, which could shock the plant. Removing a few problem roots is plenty.

Loosen Roots

Use your hands to gently loosen the remaining roots, spreading them outward from the root ball. This helps stimulate new root growth once you repot the shrub.

Add Drainage Material

Place a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the new, larger container. This improves drainage to keep roots healthy.

Fill New Pot with Soil

Fill the new pot about halfway with your fresh potting soil mix. Make sure the soil is moist but not sopping wet before repotting. The viburnum’s root ball should sit above the drainage gravel, not touching it.

Place Shrub in New Pot

Carefully place the viburnum into the new container, centering the root ball. Make sure the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot to leave room for watering. Add more potting mix around the sides to fill gaps. Do not pack the soil too tightly.

Top Off with Soil

Fill in around the shrub with more potting mix until you reach about an inch below the rim of the container. Lightly firm down the soil with your hands to anchor the plant.

Water Thoroughly

Water the newly repotted viburnum thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom of the container. This helps settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Add Fertilizer

Apply a slow release shrub fertilizer by scratching it gently into the soil surface per the label recommendations. This provides extra nutrients to help the viburnum recover from repotting.

Provide Aftercare

Set the repotted arrowwood viburnum in a sheltered location out of direct sun for 7-10 days. This reduces transplant shock. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry and watch for new growth. Once established, you can move it back into its permanent spot in the landscape.

Repotting my arrowwood viburnums was easy and rewarding. Just a few simple gardening tools, supplies, and steps give these beautiful shrubs room to grow and thrive for years to come. As long as you repot in early spring before growth starts and provide attentive aftercare, your viburnums will flourish in their new containers. Plus, the process helps stimulate healthy new root development.

If your arrowwood viburnums are getting crowded, be sure to give them some TLC with repotting. You’ll be glad you did when you enjoy their lush growth, pretty blooms, and fall color. Repotting on a regular basis, about every 2-3 years, keeps arrowwood viburnums looking their best. Don’t be intimidated to give it a try in your own garden.

Tips for Repotting Arrowwood Viburnum

Here are some helpful tips to ensure success when repotting your arrowwood viburnum:

• Select a container with drainage holes that is only 2-3 inches larger than the current pot. Going too big can be detrimental.
• Water the plant thoroughly the day before repotting to moisten and loosen the root ball.
• Prune back any branches that sustained damage during the repotting process.
• Choose a repotting soil formulated specifically for shrubs and trees, not standard potting mix.
• After repotting, provide light shade for 7-10 days before moving the shrub back into full sun exposure.
• Hold off on fertilizing with anything other than a gentle starter or transplant fertilizer for 3-4 weeks after repotting.
• Monitor soil moisture closely and water when the top inch becomes dry. Be careful not to overwater.
• Avoid repotting in summer when hot weather can stress the plant. Stick to early spring or fall.
• Examine roots each time you repot and prune any that are circling or crowded.
• Loosen bound roots very gently and spread outward before placing in new pot.
• Top dress with an organic compost or slow release fertilizer annually to maintain nutrients.

Follow these tips when repotting arrowwood viburnum and you can expect happy, healthy plants that thrive for years to come. Don’t be afraid to give your shrubs a chance to re-establish themselves occasionally in fresh soil and roomier containers.

Common Arrowwood Viburnum Varieties

There are several popular varieties of arrowwood viburnum to choose from:

• Chicago Lustre – Hardy, glossy foliage, good fall color
• Mohican – Compact growth habit, white spring blooms
• Alleghany – Fragrant flowers, red fall color
• Burkwood – Clusters of white flowers in spring
• Juddi – Pink buds open to white blooms, blue fruits
• Pink Beauty – Pink bud flowers turn white, red fall foliage

Look for varieties described as compact or dwarf if you need a smaller shrub. Arrowwoods can grow 6-15 feet tall and wide depending on the cultivar. Pick one that fits the mature size you desire.

No matter which arrowwood viburnum variety you select, they all benefit from occasional repotting to maintain health. Their shallow root systems adapt well to containers. Follow my tips above to successfully repot your arrowwood viburnum.

Overwintering Container Grown Arrowwood Viburnum

Arrowwood viburnums in pots make a beautiful addition to patios, porches, and gardens in summer. But protecting them through harsh winters is crucial if you live in an area with freezing temperatures. Here are some tips to help overwinter container grown arrowwood viburnums:

• Select a sheltered location against a building or under an overhang to partially shield from winter wind and ice.

• Prior to frost, move containers close together and surround with mulch, leaves, straw or other insulating material.

• Consider covering containers with burlap or frost blankets for added protection on severely cold nights.

• Water sparingly over winter, only if soil is dry. Too much moisture can damage roots in freezing weather.

• Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter since growth could get damaged by cold temps.

• Prune any dead branches in early spring to allow for new growth.

• Repot in spring as needed if roots have filled container and become crowded.

• Resume normal watering and fertilizing when new growth emerges in spring.

With proper overwintering care, you can enjoy arrowwood viburnums in containers for years. Just be sure to give them extra protection from harsh weather compared to in-ground plantings. A little preparation in fall and attentive care in winter will keep your viburnums happy in pots season after season.

Troubleshooting Arrowwood Viburn