Sargent viburnum 'Onondaga' Viburnum sargentii 'Onondaga'

Water

Sargent viburnum prefers evenly moist soil, so it should be watered regularly, particularly during dry spells. Young plants require more frequent watering, about once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil doesn't dry out completely. Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant but still benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods. On average, aim to provide around 1 inch of water per week, which is approximately 0.62 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot, dry weather, you may need to increase watering frequency to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Light

Sargent viburnum thrives in a spot with full to partial sunlight. Ideal locations would provide the plant with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, where it gets some relief from the intense afternoon sun. This flexibility makes it suitable for various landscaping designs.

Temperature

Sargent viburnum is hardy and can survive a range of temperatures. It is able to withstand winter temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many Northern climates. The ideal temperature for growing and blooming ranges from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and while it can handle summer heat, extremely high temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit can be stressful for the plant.

Pruning

Pruning of the Sargent viburnum should be done to maintain its shape, remove dead or broken branches, and improve air circulation. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, as the plant blooms on old wood. Thinning out crowded branches every few years will promote vigorous growth and better flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sargent viburnum prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite will support healthy growth.

Repotting

Sargent viburnum, being a large shrub, is usually planted directly in the ground rather than potted and should not need repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Sargent viburnum is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Sargent viburnum in bright indirect light, away from dry heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Sargent's viburnum, or Viburnum sargentii 'Onondaga', starts its life when a seed germinates, usually in early spring, given suitable soil and climatic conditions. Emerging seedlings grow into juvenile plants, characterized by rapid vegetative growth and the development of a basic branching structure. As the plant matures, it enters the adult stage, flowering typically begins in the spring, with the plant producing distinctive pink to red lace-cap inflorescences that mature to white. Following pollination by insects, the flowers develop into small red berries that turn black when ripe in late summer to fall, which are then dispersed by birds and other wildlife. The plant continues to grow in size and spread, with seasonal cycles of flowering and fruiting, and can live for many decades if conditions are favorable. In the final stage of its life cycle, the viburnum may show signs of decline such as reduced flowering and dieback of branches, eventually leading to its death.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Sargent Viburnum, specifically the cultivar 'Onondaga', is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer, when new growth is still tender and green but has begun to mature slightly. Cut a 4 to 6-inch length from a healthy branch, making sure each cutting has a few sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves to reveal the nodes and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to facilitate root development. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots have established. This process usually takes a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be gradually acclimatized to less controlled conditions before being transplanted to their final growing spot.