Bristly viburnum Viburnum setigerum

Water

The Tea Viburnum should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, they generally require less frequent watering and are quite drought-tolerant. Water the plant deeply rather than frequently, ensuring you moisten the soil down to 8 inches every time you water. During active growth in the spring and summer, watering every week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water should be sufficient, but make sure to adjust depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Reduce watering during the winter when the plant is dormant.

Light

The Tea Viburnum thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for optimal growth and flowering. A location that offers morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates.

Temperature

The Tea Viburnum is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures; it generally prefers an environment between 60°F and 75°F, but can survive minimum temperatures down to about -10°F. The maximum temperature tolerated well by the plant can reach up to 95°F, but it's important to ensure adequate watering during hotter temperatures to prevent stress on the plant.

Pruning

Pruning the Tea Viburnum should be done to maintain its shape, remove dead or weak limbs, and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is immediately after the plant has finished blooming, usually in late spring or early summer. Pruning too late can remove next year’s flower buds. Remove only older, overgrown branches and any crossing or rubbing limbs to preserve the natural form of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tea Viburnum thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.6. A good mix might consist of equal parts loam, peat, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Amend the soil with organic matter to boost fertility.

Repotting

Tea Viburnum typically does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 5 years as it is a slow-growing shrub. Ensure to use the soil mix suited to its pH and drainage requirements when repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Tea Viburnum is not particularly humidity-sensitive but does best in moderate humidity. It can adapt to the average outdoor humidity levels in many temperate climates without requiring any special care regarding humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Tea Viburnum near a bright window; water when soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant Tea Viburnum in partial shade; water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Tea Viburnum (Viburnum setigerum) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring, given appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling then emerges and develops into a young plant with a basic root system and leaves to start photosynthesis. Over several years, the plant will grow into a mature shrub, with a more extensive root system and woody stems, while continuously producing foliage. Throughout each growing season, usually in late spring, it flowers, producing small white blossoms that offer nectar and pollen to pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into bright red berry-like fruit by late summer or early autumn, attracting birds which aid in seed dispersal. Finally, during the dormant season in winter, growth slows or pauses, allowing the plant to conserve energy and prepare for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter

• Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Tea Viburnum (Viburnum setigerum) is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is generally performed in late summer. Select healthy, current year's growth and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length, ensuring that there are at least two to three sets of leaves on the cutting. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm location with indirect light. Maintaining a humid environment around the cutting by covering it with a plastic bag or a dome can also be beneficial to prevent moisture loss. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be potted up or transplanted outside.