Red Fruit Viburnum Viburnum erubescens var. gracilipes
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Viburnum is a visually striking species with a range of features that make it appealing in various landscapes. The plant exhibits a lush, bushy appearance with multiple stems that branch out generously. The leaves are deciduous and have a smooth, refined texture that often shines in the sunlight, creating an alluring effect. These leaves are typically deep green and may exhibit brilliant red to purple hues in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the plant's display. Flowers are a notable characteristic of this plant, as they are showy and often arranged in flat-topped clusters that can cover the shrub in blooming season. The blossoms are small but plentiful, usually white or lightly tinged with pink, exuding a subtly sweet fragrance that can attract both human admirers and various pollinators. Following the flowering period, the plant may produce fruit in the form of small berries that can range from red to blackish in color, providing an additional dimension of ornamental value and serving as a food source for birds and wildlife. The overall form of the plant is graceful and well-proportioned, creating a poised silhouette in the garden. Its branching pattern and foliage density can offer valuable textures that contrast well with other plants in a landscaped setting, and its decorative features throughout the seasons make it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with living ornamentation.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Adoxaceae
Synonyms
Reddish Viburnum, Gracile Naked Viburnum
Common names
Viburnum erubescens var. gracilipes.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Viburnum erubescens var. gracilipes is Arrowwood Viburnum. Generally, Viburnum species are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they may contain low levels of toxic substances that could cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Ingesting any part of the Arrowwood Viburnum typically would not result in severe toxicity for humans, but it is advisable to avoid consumption.
To pets
Arrowwood Viburnum is the common name for Viburnum erubescens var. gracilipes. Viburnum plants are generally not highly toxic to pets either. If pets ingest parts of this plant, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. The toxicity level is considered low, and serious health consequences are rare. However, it is always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, as individual animals may have varying sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet [1.8-3 meters]
Spread
4-6 feet [1.2-1.8 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Viburnum erubescens var. gracilipes, commonly known as Himalayan Viburnum, has appealing aesthetic characteristics, such as attractive foliage and clusters of small, white flowers that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant provides food in the form of berries for birds and other wildlife, as well as serving as a habitat for various insect species.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Himalayan Viburnum can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it useful for planting in areas prone to soil loss.
- Seasonal Interest: Himalayan Viburnum offers year-round interest with flowers in spring, berries in late summer and fall, and sometimes colorful foliage in autumn.
- Privacy Screening: The dense growth habit of this viburnum can be used to create natural privacy screens or living fences in garden settings.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Himalayan Viburnum requires minimal care, making it a good option for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping plants.
- Tolerance of Conditions: This plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, and once mature, it can tolerate periods of drought.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural hedge: The Viburnum species can be planted in rows to create living fences that offer privacy and reduce noise pollution.
- Instrument making: The hardwood of the Viburnum can be used in the crafting of musical instruments such as flutes or small pipes.
- Furniture making: Its wood, being strong and durable, can be utilized in the making of rustic furniture pieces.
- Wildlife habitat: Viburnum provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals within garden ecosystems.
- Culinary decoration: The attractive berries and flowers can be used as garnishes for culinary presentation, although they are not edible.
- Dying and tanning: Some species of Viburnum have been used traditionally for dying fabric or in the leather tanning process.
- Bonsai: With its appealing structure and foliage, Viburnum can be trained as a bonsai plant.
- Photography and art: The plant's flowers and berries are often subjects for photography and botanical illustrations.
- Biodegradable mulch: The leaves and branches, when pruned, can be used as biodegradable mulch to enrich the soil.
- Educational purposes: This plant can be used in schools or educational programs to teach about plant lifecycle and botany.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Redvein Viburnum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Redvein Viburnum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Viburnum species often symbolize renewal due to their habit of flowering and starting a new growth cycle each spring.
- Protection: Some folklore suggests Viburnum, also known as Cranberrybush, were planted around homes for protection, as the dense shrubbery could create a barrier.
- Abundance: The copious clusters of berries produced by some Viburnum species, including the Cranberrybush, may represent abundance and generosity.
- Persistence: Many Viburnum plants, including the Cranberrybush, are hardy and resilient, symbolizing persistence and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
WaterThe Arrowwood Viburnum should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. During the winter or in rainy seasons, reduce the watering to every two weeks or less, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It's best to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to direct water to the root zone and minimize wastage.
LightArrowwood Viburnum thrives in conditions where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be planted in a spot that gets at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some shade. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to fewer blooms and a less dense foliage.
TemperatureArrowwood Viburnum is hardy and can withstand a broad range of temperatures but ideally enjoys a climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's crucial to provide protection from harsh winter winds and extreme cold snaps which can damage the plant.
PruningPruning the Arrowwood Viburnum is important to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Prune immediately after the plant flowers in late spring or early summer to maintain a desired size and remove any dead or damaged branches. It is not necessary to prune every year, but doing so every two to three years can help rejuvenate older plants and improve blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChinese Viburnum prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 5.6 to 6.6. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.
RepottingChinese Viburnum typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingChinese Viburnum thrives in moderate humidity levels, ideally around 40-50%, which is often the typical indoor environment without the need for additional humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when top soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleViburnum erubescens var. gracilipes, commonly known as China Viburnum, begins its life cycle through seed germination when conditions of light, temperature and moisture are favorable. The seedling emerges and establishes its root system while beginning to grow its first leaves. As it matures into a young plant, it undergoes vegetative growth, including the development of stems, leaves, and branches, preparing for reproduction. China Viburnum enters a phase of reproductive maturity where it develops inflorescences that produce flowers; these flowers, when pollinated, can lead to fruit set. The fruits contain seeds that, once dispersed by animals or gravity, can generate new plants, continuing the cycle. The plant also has the potential for vegetative propagation through cuttings, allowing for the spread and maintenance of its genetic characteristics without the need for seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Viburnum erubescens var. gracilipes, commonly known as Cassinoides Viburnum, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically begins in the late summer when the current season's growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. To propagate, a 4 to 6 inch length of semi-hardwood stem is cut from a healthy parent plant, ideally with several leaves still attached. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node where leaves were attached is beneath the surface. The soil should be kept consistently moist, and cuttings are usually placed in a location with indirect but bright light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the new plants can gradually be acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into their permanent locations.
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