Burkwood Viburnum Viburnum × burkwoodii 'Mohawk'
ABOUT
The Viburnum 'Mohawk' is a flowering shrub known for its distinct and attractive appearance. The plant is a hybrid of Viburnum carlesii and Viburnum utile, developed for its ornamental qualities. It features dense, dark green leaves that are oval in shape and have a slightly wrinkled texture. These leaves often turn reddish-orange in the fall, providing a splash of autumn color. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of 'Mohawk' is its fragrant flowers. The blooms a rich creamy white to soft pink color and appear in dome-shaped clusters, which are called inflorescences. These flower clusters stand out against the foliage and emit a strong, spicy aroma that can carry throughout a garden, particularly in the spring when the plant is in full bloom. Following the flowering season, the Viburnum 'Mohawk' produces berry-like fruits that first appear red, then mature to a dark, almost black hue. These fruits are attractive to birds and other wildlife, adding to the shrub's ornamental value. The contrast between the leaves, flowers, and fruits, along with the plant's fragrance, make the 'Mohawk' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a sensory and visual interest to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Adoxaceae
Synonyms
Mohawk Viburnum, Burkwood Viburnum
Common names
Viburnum × burkwoodii 'Mohawk'.
ToxicityTo humans
Mohawk viburnum is not known to be highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual components may cause some degree of irritation or mild stomach upset if ingested. There is no widespread report of severe poisoning or life-threatening symptoms associated with Mohawk viburnum. Thus, caution should still be exercised to prevent ingestion, particularly with children, who are more susceptible to ingesting plant parts.
To pets
Mohawk viburnum is generally considered to have low toxicity for pets. It is not commonly listed among the plants that are highly toxic to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. Nevertheless, ingesting parts of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Close observation is recommended if a pet consumes any part of the viburnum, and contacting a veterinarian for advice should symptoms appear or persist.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: 'Mohawk' viburnum features showy, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blossoms provide nectar for pollinators, while the berries attract birds and other wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant offers multi-season interest with its spring blooms, summer greenery, vibrant autumn foliage, and sometimes berries in winter.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and upkeep once established, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used as a hedge or privacy screen due to its dense foliage and relatively fast growth rate.
- Versatility: Adaptable for use in borders, foundations, and as a specimen plant in various garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: The vibrant flowers of the Mohawk Viburnum can create a stunning background for close-up photography and macro shots, particularly in the spring when they are in full bloom.
- Natural Fence: By planting Mohawk Viburnum in a row or a patterned hedge, one can form a natural, living fence that provides privacy and reduces noise from the surrounding environment.
- Habitat for Wildlife: This plant can provide shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects, which makes it an excellent choice for a wildlife garden or a nature-inspired landscape.
- Windbreak: When planted strategically, Mohawk Viburnum can serve as a windbreak, protecting gardens and outdoor seating areas from strong winds.
- Pressed Flower Art: The flowers of Mohawk Viburnum can be pressed and used to create botanical art pieces or in crafting, such as greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Seasonal Decorations: With its eye-catching autumn foliage, branches of Mohawk Viburnum can be used in fall decorations, such as wreaths or table centerpieces.
- Teaching Tool: The various growth stages of Mohawk Viburnum, from buds to flowers to berries, can be used to teach children and students about plant life cycles and seasonal changes in nature.
- Aromatherapy: While not medically, the strong and pleasant fragrance of Mohawk Viburnum can be enjoyed for simple aromatherapeutic pleasure in garden settings.
- Culinary Presentations: Although not for consumption, the flowers can occasionally be used to add aesthetic value to culinary presentations as a non-toxic decorative element.
- Screening Unwanted Views: Mohawk Viburnum can be strategically planted to screen out unwanted views, such as utility areas or compost heaps, while adding visual interest to the landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Burkwood Viburnum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Burkwood Viburnum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Viburnum is often associated with renewal due to its vigorous growth and the way it can bring a dormant winter garden back to life with its early spring blossoms.
- Protection: Historically, some species of viburnum were believed to offer protection, with people planting them near dwellings to guard against lightning and evil spirits.
- Abundance: The prolific flowering and subsequent fruiting of the plant can symbolize abundance and the generosity of nature.
- Perseverance: 'Mohawk,' being a hybrid, suggests perseverance and resilience, as it thrives in various conditions and weathers seasonal changes well.
- Elegance: The clusters of flowers and the plant's overall form connote elegance and refinement, often making it a choice for landscaped gardens to add aesthetic value.
WaterFor the 'Mohawk' Viburnum, it is important to maintain moist but well-draining soil, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep root system. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. During the colder months or when rainfall is sufficient, reduce watering. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightThe 'Mohawk' Viburnum thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day but can also benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can reduce flowering and weaken the plant's overall vigor.
TemperatureThe 'Mohawk' Viburnum can handle a wide range of temperatures once established. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8 and can withstand minimum temperatures as low as -30°F to -20°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F during the growing season.
PruningPrune the 'Mohawk' Viburnum immediately after flowering to maintain its shape and size, which typically means late spring or early summer. Pruning at this time allows for vigorous growth and ensures that the next year's flower buds are not removed, as they form on old wood. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and thin out old wood to encourage fresh growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBurkwood Viburnum thrives in well-drained soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand, ensuring good drainage and fertility. The ideal soil pH for Burkwood Viburnum is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.6 to 7.0. Adding organic matter like compost can enhance soil structure and nutrient content.
RepottingBurkwood Viburnum, typically grown as a garden shrub, rarely needs repotting if planted in the ground. If grown in containers, repotting might be necessary every 3-5 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingBurkwood Viburnum prefers moderate humidity levels outdoors but is generally adaptable to the ambient moisture levels found in many temperate regions. It does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Tough to grow Mohawk Viburnum indoors; needs ample light.
Outdoor
Plant Mohawk Viburnum in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe life cycle of Viburnum × burkwoodii 'Mohawk', commonly known as the Burkwood Viburnum, begins with seed germination, typically in spring, where the seed requires some period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once sprouted, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant, developing its root system and foliage over the first few years. As the plant transitions to the adult phase, it forms a structured woody shrub, and after a few years, it starts to flower in early to mid-spring, producing fragrant white to pinkish blooms. Following pollination, often by insects, it sets fruit in the form of red to black drupes which mature in late summer or fall, serving as a food source for birds and wildlife. The plant enters a dormancy period over the winter, where growth slows or stops, to conserve energy. With proper care and favorable conditions, a Burkwood Viburnum can live for many years, going through continuous cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Viburnum × burkwoodii 'Mohawk', commonly known as Mohawk Viburnum, is through softwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late spring or early summer when the stems are new and flexible. To propagate, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Next, place the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of half peat and half perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The cutting should be kept at a consistent humidity level, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagation chamber. With proper care and conditions, the cutting will develop roots in a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
