How to grow Viburnum macrocephalum? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions
Viburnum macrocephalum, also known as 'Ju Ba Xian Hua' and 'Mu Ben Xiu Qiu', is a semi-evergreen shrub of the genus Viburnum in the Caprifoliaceae family. Its large flowers resemble jade basins, with eight five-petaled large flowers forming a ring around the small white pearl-like florets in the center, surrounding a cluster of butterfly-like stamens. When a gentle breeze blows, it looks like butterflies playing with pearls, and also like the Eight Immortals dancing, with an elegant and captivating grace. Let's take a look at the cultivation 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 and is relatively cold-tolerant. It is best grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively cold-tolerant, can adapt to general soils, and thrives in moist and fertile places. It grows vigorously, with strong sprouting and suckering ability, and its seeds have the habit of germinating in alternate years. It is produced in southern Jiangsu, western Anhui, Zhejiang, northwestern Jiangxi, western Hubei and southern Hunan. It grows in hills, under mountain forests or in thickets. It is also often cultivated in gardens.
Propagation methods for Viburnum macrocephalum
1. Sowing: Viburnum macrocephalum is commonly propagated by seeds. Collect seeds in November, pile them for after-ripening, wash the seeds, stratify them at low temperature until sowing the following spring, cover with soil slightly thick, and then cover with grass on top. In June of that year, some will germinate and emerge; at this time, the grass can be removed for shading. Keep them in the seedbed for 2 years, then they can be transplanted to another bed for separate planting. After 4 to 5 years, they can be transplanted for garden landscaping.
2. Grafting: Graft Viburnum macrocephalum in early March (before the buds sprout). Take branches from a mother tree that can bloom, cut a section about 5 cm long as the scion, and keeping the terminal bud is ideal. Generally, the high grafting method is used. After grafting, place it in a shaded area. After the buds on the scion produce leaves, place it directly in sunlight. After surviving, it can bloom in the first year.
Cultivation methods for Viburnum macrocephalum
1. Soil: Viburnum macrocephalum has strong adaptability. Sandy soil, clay soil, and general soil can all be used for cultivation. Seedlings cultivated in sandy soil have well-developed root systems.
2. Transplanting: Viburnum macrocephalum is easy to transplant and survive. Carry it out in early spring before budding, preferably in a semi-shaded environment, and pay attention to fertilizer and water management after it survives.
3. Fertilizing: Fertilize Viburnum macrocephalum with light fertilizer applied frequently. If the leaves turn yellow, spray the leaves with a 1/1000 ferrous sulfate solution, and fertilize once after flowering.
4. Pruning: The main branches of Viburnum macrocephalum easily 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 overall shape.
5. Pests and diseases: The leaves of Viburnum macrocephalum have more hairs, so they are 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 growth period, supplement nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers according to the principle of light fertilizer applied frequently.
2. For household potted Viburnum macrocephalum, you can choose the sowing method, or choose small seedlings and plant them directly.
3. Viburnum macrocephalum is generally planted in spring or late autumn with a soil ball, which can improve the survival rate.