Viburnum Lantana is a deciduous plant, which produces white flowers near the end of Spring, following with red fruits (that turn to black when ripe) during autumn.
About Wayfaring Tree Hedging
Viburnum lantana is ideal as an ornamental plant, or as some informal hedging. Either way, it will offer you with lovely, white flowers that come in large, dome-like clusters. These flowers are soon followed with bright red berries that ripen to black. The leaves will turn red in the Autumn, adding some beautiful warm shades to the garden.
Viburnum lantana is highly popular amongst birds, who love to shelter in the branches. Butterflies love the flowers too!
Key Features
The Wayfaring tree plant can reach an ultimate height of 5m+, but is easier to maintain at 3m, or less.
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Growth rate: Average (20-40cm per year)
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Ideal height: 3m+ Tall
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Soil type: Normal, clay, chalk
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Exposure: Coastal, exposed
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Aspect: Full sun, full shade, semi-shade
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Evergreen foliage? No
Pruning & Care
The Wayfaring Tree plant needs very little, if any, maintenance. However, you can prune in the Spring after flowering period, but these stems will not produce berries later.
If you are limited with garden space, you can cut around one-third of the old stems to keep growth healthy and fresh. New growth will produce berries and flowers the following year- if you do this every year, you will be guaranteed with lovely flowers/berries annually!
Nonetheless, if space is not a worry, simply leave the plant to grow, unless you need to trim any diseased/very old stems (which should be done after flowering period).
How To Plant Wayfaring Tree
When should I plant Wayfaring Tree hedging?
As most Wayfaring Tree plants are sold as bare root, you will only be able to plant from November - March, when the plants are dormant - planting when the soil is frozen must be avoided.
How far apart should I plant Wayfaring Tree plants?
We generally recommend a 30cm spacing between plants in a straight line, or 5-7 plants per metre for a zigzag/double staggered row of plants. It is your own personal choice, but if you have enough space, we most definitely recommend sticking to at least 5 plants per metre in a double staggered row.
How to plant Wayfaring Tree:
With bare root plants, you must soak the roots for around 2 hours in a bucket of water before planting - you can alternatively spray with a garden hose for a few minutes if using a bucket is impractical. Regardless, the roots must be wet before planting.
You will then need to dig a hole that is around twice the width of the root mass, but the same depth. If you have poor quality soil, ensure to dig an even wider hole (and a little deeper), and fill with half original soil and half compost/soil amendment. This will ensure your plants get as many nutrients as possible from the very beginning.
Then carefully place each plant into the hole, and gently spread out the roots a little. Ensure the plants are straight, and begin to backfill with the soil mix, patting down as you go along to remove any air bubbles.
Follow this by watering the plants very well, and placing a 2-3" layer of mulch underneath the plants - leaving a few centimetres between the mulch and main stem.
Please note, the soil must be moist but well-draining to grow Viburnum Lantana.