Chindo Viburnum is a great tough, flowering evergreen for the South. It is a dense, pyramidal shrub with lustrous dark green foliage that emerge with reddish tips in the spring. The clusters of small white flowers develop into bright red berries in the fall that are loved by wildlife. Can be used as a hedge, screen, or as an accent.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
‘Chindo’ is a selection of Viburnum awabuki made by the late Dr. J C Raulston in a school yard on Chindo Island, Korea. It was selected for its large red penduous fruit clusters. It is a large upright evergreen shrub, growing up to 15 feet wide and 20 feet tall with big shiny leathery leaves. Plant in well drained good soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants have good drought resistance and make an excellent screen. It is best grown in the Midlands and Coastal Plain. Foliage may be damaged if temperatures fall below 10 F.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Chindo Viburnum is a cool plant, and it’s crucial to get the lighting right for it to thrive. Here’s the lowdown:
Sunshine Lover: Chindo Viburnum enjoys a good dose of sunlight. Plant it in an area where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. This helps in lush foliage and vibrant growth.
Partial Shade Works Too: While it loves the sun, Chindo Viburnum is a bit flexible. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. make sure it’s not in deep shade all the time.
Avoid harsh afternoon sun: Protect it from the hot afternoon sun, especially in hot regions. A bit of afternoon shade can prevent stress on the plant.
Remember, Chindo Viburnum is tough. But, if you give it the right light, it’ll reward you with lush, lovely vibes!
Temperature and Humidity
‘Chindo’ viburnum is a tough cookie when it comes to temperature. It generally thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-9, which means it can handle a bit of cold but prefers milder climates. Ideally, keep it in a spot where temperatures don’t dip too low, especially during harsh winters. However, it can tolerate a range of temperatures, making it a versatile choice for various regions.
Chindo Viburnum isn’t super picky about humidity levels. It generally does well in a variety of humidity conditions, but it tends to prefer moderate to high humidity. So, if you’re in a dry climate, giving it a bit of extra moisture wouldn’t hurt. However, it’s not a deal-breaker, and it can adapt to different humidity levels without throwing a temper tantrum.
Watering
Chindo Viburnums generally prefer well-draining soil, so you don’t want to drown them. Water deeply but infrequently. Let the soil dry out a bit between watering sessions to avoid root rot.
Once your Chindo is settled and established, you can ease up a bit on the watering. They’re pretty resilient once they’ve rooted themselves. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off for a bit.
Aim to water in the morning. This gives the plant a chance to soak up the moisture before the heat of the day kicks in. It also helps prevent fungal issues.
Remember, these are just guidelines, and your specific environment might influence watering needs. Adjust accordingly, and your Chindo Viburnum will thank you with lush, vibrant growth.
Soil
These plants prefer well-draining soil, nothing too soggy. Good ol’ garden soil works fine, but they dig a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. You don’t need to go crazy with fertilizers; a balanced one in spring should keep them happy. And mulch? They love it! It helps with moisture retention and keeps the soil cool. Make sure not to bury the base of the plant with it.
Fertilizing
- Less is more: Viburnums are not heavy feeders and may not require fertilizer at all, especially if your soil is healthy. A simple soil test can reveal any nutrient deficiencies.
- Balanced approach: If fertilization is needed, choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. Apply it once a year in spring.
- Focus on blooms: To promote vibrant flowers and foliage, fertilize after the flowering period, stopping two months before the first frost.
- Organic options: Organic mulches containing manure, fish emulsion, compost, or alfalfa pellets provide sustained nutrition. Bone meal added during planting can also benefit root development.
- Targeted feeding: Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed Flowering Trees & Shrubs Plant Food applied in spring when new leaves emerge offers a targeted approach for established plants.
Key points to remember:
- Ideal soil pH is between 5.5 and 8.0 (moderately acidic to slightly alkaline).
- Feeder roots, crucial for nutrient uptake, reside in the top 12 inches of soil. Spread fertilizer around the base of the shrub, reaching just beyond the branch spread.
- Water thoroughly after fertilizing to promote nutrient absorption.
- By following these guidelines, you can ensure your viburnums receive the right amount of nutrients to flourish and produce beautiful blooms.
Pruning
To prune ‘Chindo’ viburnum, follow these steps:
- Prune in late winter to shape and size. This promotes even growth in summer. Midsummer pruning can also be done for excessive growth.
- Look at the plant from above. Prune no more than 25% of live branches for structural pruning.
- If necessary, reduce the length of problem branch tips in fall. Place the cut just 1/4 inch above a bud.
- Trim about a third of the viburnum’s size each year for shaping purposes.
Remember, Chindo Viburnum needs pruning to keep its shape and remove dead stems. So, don’t prune too much.
Propagation
So, if you’re into growing more Chindo Viburnum plants, the best way to do it is by propagating them. Propagation basically means creating new plants from existing ones. Here’s how you can do it:
- Take Cuttings: Snip a healthy Chindo Viburnum branch. The best time is usually in late spring or early summer.
- Prepare Cuttings: Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This helps them develop roots faster.
- Planting: Stick the cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture. You can use a pot or directly plant them in your garden.
- Moisture is Key: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This encourages root development.
- Patience: It takes time, so be patient. You’ll start seeing roots after a few weeks.
Remember, there are different Viburnum varieties. So, check the specific care tips for ‘Chindo’ viburnum. But generally, this method works for many types.
Overwintering
‘Chindo’ viburnum, like other viburnum types, can handle winter well. But this depends on the specific hardiness zones. These plants generally thrive in hardiness zones 2 to 9, showcasing their ability to endure diverse winter conditions. If you’re dealing with colder weather, it’s normal for the Chindo Viburnum to drop some leaves, but don’t panic! Come spring, just give it a good pruning to get rid of any dead branches and leaves.
Whether you’re planting them in the ground or growing them in pots, Chindo Viburnums are generally low-maintenance. Creating a viburnum hedge is also a feasible option for an easy-care, fragrant addition to your garden. Keep an eye out for aphids, especially during the overwintering period, as they might cause leaf curl.
Remember, a bit of care during winter and a trim in spring, and your Chindo Viburnum will likely thrive!
III. Uses and Benefits
‘Chindo’ viburnum is a fantastic choice for landscaping, offering a blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal. Here’s a breakdown of its landscaping uses:
Privacy Screen: Chindo Viburnum’s dense growth and evergreen foliage make it an excellent choice for creating a natural privacy screen in your yard. The thick clusters of dark green leaves provide a year-round barrier.
Wind Blocker: Planted strategically, Chindo Viburnum can serve as a natural windbreak, protecting your outdoor space from strong winds while adding a touch of beauty to your landscape.
Aesthetic Appeal: The plant features large, waxy leaves and produces fragrant white flowers, adding visual interest to your garden. Its attractive foliage and blossoms make it a charming addition to any sunny landscape.
Hedging: Chindo Viburnum can be shaped into a tall and dense hedge. The lustrous dark green leaves create a polished look, making it suitable for framing driveways or pathways.
