How to Grow Viburnum macrocephalum? Latest Growing Methods and Precautions Explained

Viburnum macrocephalum, also known as "Eight Immortals Gathering Flower" and "Woody Hydrangea", is a semi-evergreen shrub of the genus Viburnum in the Caprifoliaceae family. Its large flowers resemble jade basins, formed by eight five-petaled large flowers arranged in a ring, surrounding the small white pearl-like flowers in the center, clustered around a group of butterfly-like stamens. Under a gentle breeze, they seem like butterflies playing with pearls, and also like the Eight Immortals dancing, with elegant and graceful postures that are captivating. Now let us take a look at the growing methods and precautions for Viburnum macrocephalum!

Growth Habits of Viburnum macrocephalum

Viburnum macrocephalum prefers light and tolerates slight shade. It likes a warm and humid climate, is relatively cold-hardy, and is best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively cold-hardy and can adapt to ordinary soil, but grows best in moist and fertile places. It grows vigorously, with strong sprouting and tillering ability, and its seeds have a habit of germinating in alternate years. It is found in southern Jiangsu, western Anhui, Zhejiang, northwestern Jiangxi, western Hubei and southern Hunan. It grows in hills, under forest on mountain slopes or in thickets. It is also often cultivated in gardens.

Propagation Methods of Viburnum macrocephalum

1. Sowing: Viburnum macrocephalum is commonly propagated by seeds. Seeds are collected in November, piled for after-ripening, washed clean, and stratified at low temperature until sowing the following spring. The soil covering should be slightly thick, with grass placed on top. Some seeds sprout and emerge in June of that year, at which point the grass can be removed for shading. After staying in the seedbed for 2 years, they can be transplanted to another bed for separate planting, and after 4 to 5 years they can be transplanted for garden landscaping.

2. Grafting: Viburnum macrocephalum is grafted in early March (before buds sprout). Take branches from a mother tree that can bloom, cut a section about 5 cm long as the scion, and it is ideal to keep the terminal bud. The high grafting method is generally used. After grafting, place it in a shaded area. Once the buds of the scion produce leaves, place it directly in sunlight. After surviving, it can bloom in the first year.

Growing Methods of Viburnum macrocephalum

1. Soil: Viburnum macrocephalum has strong adaptability. Sandy soil, clay soil, and ordinary soil can all be used for cultivation. Seedlings grown in sandy soil have well-developed root systems.

2. Transplanting: Viburnum macrocephalum is easy to transplant and survive. It should be done in early spring before budding, preferably in a semi-shaded environment. After survival, pay attention to fertilizer and water management.

3. Fertilizing: Viburnum macrocephalum should be fertilized with light fertilizer applied frequently. If leaves turn yellow, a 1/1000 ferrous sulfate solution can be sprayed on the leaves. Fertilize once after flowering.

4. Pruning: The main branches of Viburnum macrocephalum tend to sprout water sprouts that disrupt the tree shape. After flowering, prune appropriately, and in summer cut off the tips of water sprouts to tidy the plant shape.

5. Pests and diseases: The leaves of Viburnum macrocephalum have relatively more hairs, so it is generally not easily harmed by pests and diseases. However, during the plum rain season, it is usually necessary to spray some Bordeaux mixture for prevention and control.

Precautions for Viburnum macrocephalum

1. Viburnum macrocephalum has strong adaptability. During the growing period, supplement nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers according to the principle of light fertilizer applied frequently.

2. For home pot cultivation of Viburnum macrocephalum, you can choose the sowing method, or choose small seedlings for direct planting.

3. Viburnum macrocephalum is generally planted in spring or late autumn with a soil ball, which can improve the survival rate.