Viburnums do indeed bloom on old wood. This means that they form flower buds during the summer months that will open and bloom the following spring. It’s important to understand this aspect of viburnum growth and flowering in order to properly care for these beautiful shrubs.
When it comes to pruning viburnums, timing is crucial. If you prune them in late summer or winter, you risk cutting off the flower buds that have already formed on the old wood. This can result in a loss of spring flowers and a less vibrant display in your garden.
I vividly remember a time when I mistakenly pruned my viburnums in the winter, not knowing about their blooming habits. The following spring, I was disappointed to find that there were hardly any flowers on my once abundant viburnum shrubs. It was a valuable lesson that taught me the importance of understanding the blooming patterns of different plants.
To avoid making the same mistake, it’s best to prune viburnums immediately after they have finished blooming in the spring. This allows you to remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the shrub to your desired form, while still preserving the flower buds that have already formed on the old wood.
If you find that your viburnums have become overgrown or unruly and require more significant pruning, it’s recommended to wait until after they have finished blooming for the season. This is typically in late spring or early summer. By pruning at this time, you can still enjoy the current year’s flowers while ensuring a more manageable and aesthetically pleasing shape for your viburnums.
It’s worth noting that not all viburnum species bloom exclusively on old wood. Some varieties, such as Viburnum carlesii (Korean spice viburnum), can also produce new flower buds on the current year’s growth. These types of viburnums can be pruned more freely in late winter or early spring without sacrificing the spring blooms.
Viburnums indeed bloom on old wood, meaning they form flower buds during the summer that will open the following spring. Pruning viburnums in the late summer or winter can result in the loss of these spring flowers. It’s best to prune viburnums immediately after they finish blooming in the spring, or if necessary, wait until late spring or early summer to avoid cutting off the flower buds on the old wood. By understanding and respecting the blooming patterns of viburnums, you can ensure a vibrant and beautiful display of flowers in your garden.
