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Description
Viburnum Foetidum, also known as Dwarf Viburnum or Stinking Viburnum, is a species of evergreen shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to southern China and Vietnam and is widely cultivated in other regions for landscaping and gardening purposes. The plant has a rounded and dense growth habit, with a height ranging from 3 to 6 feet and a width of 4 to 8 feet. The leaves are glossy and dark green, with a leathery texture and an elliptical shape. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, blooming in clusters from late winter to early spring. The fruit is a red or black drupe that matures in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Appearance
Viburnum Foetidum is a versatile evergreen shrub that can be used as a hedge, border, or specimen plant. It has a dense growth habit, with a rounded shape and a height ranging from 3 to 6 feet. The leaves are glossy and dark green, with an elliptical shape and a leathery texture. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, blooming in clusters from late winter to early spring. The fruit is a red or black drupe that matures in the fall.
Care Guide
Viburnum Foetidum is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types and light conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this evergreen shrub:- Water: The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the first year of growth. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established.- Fertilization: Viburnum Foetidum can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing in the fall or winter.- Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.- Sunlight: Viburnum Foetidum can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but prefers partial shade in hot climates.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viburnum Foetidum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by the following:- Aphids: These small insects can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Viburnum Foetidum is native to southern China and Vietnam, where it grows in wooded areas and along streams. It can tolerate a variety of soil types and light conditions, but prefers partial shade in hot climates. The plant is widely cultivated in other regions for landscaping and gardening purposes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Viburnum Foetidum deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Viburnum Foetidum is deer-resistant.Q: Can I grow Viburnum Foetidum in a container?
A: Yes, Viburnum Foetidum can be grown in a container, but may require more frequent watering and fertilization.Q: When is the best time to prune Viburnum Foetidum?
A: The best time to prune Viburnum Foetidum is after it has finished blooming in the spring.Q: How often should I fertilize Viburnum Foetidum?
A: Viburnum Foetidum can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid fertilizing in the fall or winter.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Viburnum Foetidum:- Viburnum Tinus- Viburnum Plicatum- Viburnum Opulus- Viburnum Carlesii- Viburnum Lentago
References
– “Viburnum Foetidum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287379.- “Viburnum Foetidum.” Plant Database, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/183923/.- “Viburnum Foetidum.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/viburnum/growing-viburnum-shrubs.htm.
