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Description
Viburnum Japonicum, also known as Japanese snowball, is a species of flowering plant in the Adoxaceae family. It is native to Japan and Korea and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. This shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide and has dark green, glossy leaves that are 2-4 inches long. Viburnum Japonicum produces clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers in the spring, followed by red berries that turn black in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Appearance
Viburnum Japonicum has a dense, rounded shape and can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. It has dark green, glossy leaves that are 2-4 inches long and turn reddish-purple in the fall. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate in shape. The shrub produces clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers in the spring, followed by red berries that turn black in the fall. The bark is grayish-brown and becomes scaly with age.
Care Guide
To care for Viburnum Japonicum, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth begins.- Soil: Viburnum Japonicum prefers well-draining, fertile soil.- Sunlight: This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Viburnum Japonicum is hardy in zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viburnum Japonicum is generally a healthy plant but can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:- Scale insects: These pests suck the sap from the leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting. Treat with insecticidal soap.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Viburnum Japonicum is native to Japan and Korea and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Viburnum Japonicum?
A: Water deeply once a week during hot, dry weather.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Viburnum Japonicum?
A: Viburnum Japonicum is hardy in zones 6-9.
Q: What are some common pests of Viburnum Japonicum?
A: Scale insects, aphids, and spider mites can all be pests of Viburnum Japonicum.
Q: What is the best soil for Viburnum Japonicum?
A: Viburnum Japonicum prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Viburnum Japonicum:- Viburnum Opulus (European cranberry bush)- Viburnum Tinus (laurustinus)- Viburnum Carlesii (Koreanspice viburnum)
References
– Dirr, M. A. (2009). Dirr’s encyclopedia of trees and shrubs. Timber Press.- Gilman, E. F., & Watson, D. G. (1994). Viburnum japonicum: Japanese snowball. University of Florida IFAS Extension.- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Viburnum japonicum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b700
