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American Cranberrybush Viburnum #887637

Asked October 10, 2024, 11:48 AM EDT

I purchased these two American Cranberrybush Viburnum offline and planted them mid-July. I have been concerned with their branching and growth since receiving them but wanted them to get established prior to doing any trimming back. As you can see from the pictures, they are very leggy and the branches are misshapen; there also seems to have been quite a bit of cutback on the plants prior to my receiving them. They already had berries on them when I received them in July and these have either fallen off or shriveled up. The leaves are curling and looking unhealthy. My question is how to proceed with them? Is the legginess and wavy branches just a feature of this particular type of viburnum or can I encourage a fuller bushier plant with straight branching by trimming them back? Should I trim the misshapen branches back, and if so how far? Thank you for any advice and guidance.

Washington County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi Jodie,

Thank you for the pictures. Now is not the time to prune your viburnum. The best time is in the late winter before new growth appears. Pruning now can lead to late season growth that the winter weather will damage.


 The plants do not look too healthy. Make sure you water them diligently. Water every two to three days keeping the soil moist for at least an inch. I noticed on the top photo small insects. I blew up the shot and it appears that you have Vibernum leaf beetles. they can do a lot of damage. Go to your local supplier of garden materials and chemical and purchase an insecticide for the soil around the plants an apply Horticultural Oil to all the twigs. Always follow application and safety suggestions on the products.   

For local assistance contact the Washinton County OSU Extension Office located at 1115 Gilman Ave, Marietta, Ohio 4575<personal data hidden>. A great online source of information is at: https://ohioline.osu.edu   you can search lots of fact sheet on many garden and landscape plants and practices.

I hope I have been helpful and not too chatty.

Sincerely,

Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener

An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 10, 2024, 9:13 PM EDT

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