Linden Arrowwood (Viburnum dilatatum)

Linden Arrowwood (Viburnum dilatatum) is a deciduous shrub that will grow from 1.8 to 2.5m tall. It blooms from late spring to early summer with clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers. Produces bright red berries in fall that attract a variety of birds. Dark green foliage turns to shades of bronze and burgundy-red in fall. For abundant fruit, plant two or more shrubs close together.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Viburnum dilatatum, commonly known as linden arrowwood or linden viburnum, is a deciduous shrub in the moschatel family (Adoxaceae). It is native to eastern Asia, and can be found as an introduced plant in the mid-Atlantic regions in the U.S from New York to Virginia. Linden arrowwood is known for the clusters of red drupes it produces when it is mature.

Linden Arrowwood (Viburnum dilatatum) is a deciduous shrub that will grow from 1.8 to 2.5 m tall. It blooms from late spring to early summer with clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers. Produces bright red berries in fall that attract a variety of birds. Dark green foliage turns to shades of bronze and burgundy-red in fall. For abundant fruit, plant two or more shrubs close together.

The flowers for linden arrowwood bloom after the leaves. They are in clusters that are small and the color is a creamy white, they bloom from May to early June. The flowers have both female and male parts which makes it a perfect flower. Perfect meaning they are plants that have both stamens and styles.

The fruit is a red glabrous fleshy round drupe that grows in clusters like its flowers, they have red color from September to early December—an individual berry measures 0.84 centimeters (0.33 in) in diameter. The berries are called gamazumi in Japan.

This species is dispersed by way of animals. The red berries attract birds, which ingest and may deposit the seeds in other areas. In the United States, Linden arrowwood is an invasive species. It is considered a threat to native species because the shade the foliage produces may limit the sunlight to other plants near it.

Also, Viburnum dilatatum has an advantage due to the growth of the leaves which come out in the spring and are kept until late in the fall. Countermeasures that are strongly recommended in order to decrease the reproduction of the species are to pull them out of the ground if they are under 0.91 metres (3 ft 0 in) in height, or for taller plants, to cut to ground level before it fruits and spray with a herbicide in order to stop growth The seed heads from mature plants should be removed to stop dispersal.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Linden Arrowwood thrives in full sun conditions, where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for at least 6 hours a day to promote optimal growth and flowering. It displays a commendable tolerance to partial sun, adapting well to situations where light is dappled or intermittently shaded throughout the day. Despite this adaptability, prolonged shade may result in reduced flowering and a leggier form as linden Arrowwood strives for more light. Outdoors, linden Arrowwood should be planted in a position that secures sufficient sunlight while being mindful of midday intensity in hotter climates, which may necessitate some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.

Temperature

The optimum growth temperature range is between 5 to 27 ℃. It has good cold resistance; some native North American species can tolerate temperatures below -25 ℃. Its growth is poor at temperatures above 29 ℃, so it cannot survive in tropical summers. Germination requires 20 consecutive days of seed exposure to 24 ℃.

Linden Arrowwood needs occasional watering during hot and dry conditions. The average plant during its first 2 years of growth needs 1.2 to 1.5 cm water bi-weekly. Once established, it doesn’t need much watering.

Watering

Originating from regions with moderate moisture, linden Arrowwood has adapted to thrive in environments that offer a balance between dry and wet conditions. This species exhibits a notable resilience to short periods of drought but flourishes when the soil remains consistently moist without being waterlogged. Watering is optimal once every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the soil dries slightly between sessions. As an outdoor plant often found in temperate zones, linden Arrowwood demonstrates its versatility by adjusting well to varying rainfall patterns, making it a robust choice for gardeners who face unpredictable weather.

Soil

Linden Arrowwood likes fertile, soft, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. It likes moist soil but does not grow well in waterlogged soils. It can grow in moderately fertile, fully drained soils that keep minimum moisture, but cannot withstand poor soil. The optimum soil pH range is 5.5-6.6. It can tolerate acidic media and drought with good air circulation in the root zone, which is made possible by the addition of peat moss or coco coir to the media. The best potting soil would be to mix 1 part of fully decomposed organic matter into 2 parts of garden soil.

Fertilizing

Fertilize linden Arrowwood with balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring for overall health and high nitrogen options early summer to promote lush foliage. Implement a light feeding every 4-6 weeks during the growing season; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent growth at the expense of flowering. Seasonal adjustments are crucial; reduce feeding in fall and withhold in winter. Use fertilizers according to package instructions, considering plant size, and always water thoroughly post-application to prevent root burn. This targeted feeding regimen enhances linden Arrowwood’s vigor, bloom potential, and fruit set.

Planting Instructions

Pruning

Light pruning to remove dead or dried branches or injured parts of the plant can be done at any time of the year. Linden Arrowwood doesn’t need severe pruning; how much depends on the type of variety and purpose of growing.

Pruning to shape and beautify can be done in the late winter or early spring. When growing for borders and hedges, cut only 1/3 of the branches if they are severely intermingled. In other cases, pruning can be initiated right after flowering but before the setting of fruit. To avoid frost damage, don’t prune during frost or severe cold.

Propagation

Linden Arrowwood thrives when propagated through sowing. For optimal growth, ensure the seeds have ample exposure to sunlight and use a well-draining soil mix with consistent moisture. The medium should be fertile to support early development stages. A balance between soil nutrient content and pH is crucial for the healthy root establishment of linden Arrowwood. After sowing, it is important to maintain a stable environment to avoid disrupting the germination process.

Transplanting

For linden Arrowwood, the perfect time to transplant is between late winter (S2) and early spring (S3). This provides the plant with ample time to establish before the dry, hot summer months. Linden Arrowwood flourishes in well-drained soil in either full sun or partial shade. Remember, all plants need a bit of TLC after transplanting – regular watering and protection from harsh elements will be crucial.

III. Uses and Benefits 

• Ornamental uses

Gardeners love to use Showy linden Arrowwood in informal woodland gardens. It can grow to large proportions, so it can be used as a hedge shrub. Smaller variations make good borders along walkways, around fountains, or along the edge of gardens. Its color is interesting any time of year, and it often attracts birds and butterflies with its ornamental flowers and vibrant berries.

• Medicinal uses

The berries, leaves, and stems are used in traditional Chinese medicine to make a soup for snake bites, for dysentery, and for use as a vermifuge.