Mohican Wayfaring Tree Viburnum lantana 'Mohican'

Water

The Mohican Viburnum should be watered deeply with around 2 gallons of water per week during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant and will require less frequent watering, depending on weather conditions. During dry spells or extreme heat, increase watering to once a week, ensuring the soil becomes moist but not soggy, promoting healthy root growth. For mature plants, reduce the amount to about 1 gallon every two weeks, unless conditions are very dry.

Light

For the Mohican Viburnum, the best light conditions include full sun to partial shade. It will thrive when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can also perform well in areas that receive light shade for part of the day. Planting the Mohican Viburnum in a spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade can protect it from the harsh midday sun, especially in hotter climates.

Temperature

The Mohican Viburnum is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the environment is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive winter temperatures as low as -10°F but is susceptible to damage if the temperatures dip below this. It should be protected from extreme heat above 95°F, which may stress the plant, especially if accompanied by drought conditions.

Pruning

Prune the Mohican Viburnum immediately after its flowers fade in late spring to early summer to shape the plant and encourage vigorous growth. Pruning is not only for aesthetic purposes but also promotes good air circulation within the plant, which can reduce the risk of disease. It's best to remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to encourage new growth and maintain a healthy plant structure. Selective pruning every year should maintain the desired shape and size.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Wayfaring Tree prefers well-drained soil with high organic content and a pH range between 5.6 and 7.5. To create an optimal soil mix for this shrub, combine garden soil, compost, and peat moss in a ratio of 2:1:1 to ensure fertility and good drainage.

Repotting

Wayfaring Trees are large shrubs and typically do not require repotting as they are usually planted directly in the ground. Rather than repotting, it is best to replenish the surrounding soil with compost yearly.

Humidity & Misting

Wayfaring Tree is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions and thrives in average outdoor humidity without the need for special attention regarding ambient moisture.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Wayfaring Tree in bright, indirect light; ensure it's cool in winter.

• Outdoor

  Plant Wayfaring Tree in sun or partial shade; shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA.

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Viburnum lantana 'Mohican', commonly known as the Mohican Wayfaring Tree, begins with seed germination, which is highly reliant on adequate chilling periods for dormancy break. Once germinated, the seedling develops into a young plant, gradually maturing over several years to a multi-stemmed shrub. The Mohican Wayfaring Tree reaches reproductive maturity after a few years, at which point it produces fragrant white flowers in late spring that are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers give way to clusters of reddish-black drupes (berries) that mature by late summer and are consumed by birds and wildlife. Throughout its life, the shrub undergoes an annual cycle of growing new leaves in the spring, which are dark green and oval, and then these leaves turn to a purple-red color before falling in the autumn. The plant has a long lifespan, with individual shrubs being able to thrive for decades under suitable conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Viburnum lantana 'Mohican', commonly known as Wayfaring Tree, is by softwood cuttings. This technique is often conducted in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible but has begun to mature. To do this, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) piece from the current year's growth, making sure that there are at least a couple of leaves attached. The lower end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth before it is planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should then be kept moist and in a warm, shaded location until roots develop which generally takes a few weeks.