In this guide we will learn how to propagate Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ by cuttings, step by step and with lots of pictures.
Don’t worry if you think you don’t have great skills for propagation, I will teach you through the process.
In this article
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’ shrub
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’ is a large deciduous shrub with broad branches and prominent veins. Don’t be afraid by the name, this is a relative of a very well known Viburnum opulus and both are great shrubs for fall color.
This bush has the popular name of Japanese snowball ‘Mariesii’.
The leaves are oval and dark green that turn purple in autumn. Large clusters of white flowers in late spring are occasionally followed by red and then black berries.
These plants do best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Can we propagate Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ by cuttings?
Yes, we can propagate Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ by softwood and hardwood cuttings.
This guide shows the propagation using hardwood cuttings.
Propagating plants through hardwood cuttings is one of the easiest methods for plant propagation. They are taken during the dormant period from a fully mature stem of a deciduous tree or shrub.
As the cutting is leafless, the need to control conditions for successful propagation is minimal.
I love keeping things simple, so this is one of my favorite methods.
When to take Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ hardwood cuttings?
Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ hardwood cuttings can be taken at any time during the dormancy period. However, they will be most successful if they are taken at the time of “leaf fall”, usually when the first frosts occur.
How big should be a Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ cutting?
While traditionally hardwood cuttings are made around 30cm long, a shorter length is much more successful.
These cuttings, although without leaves, will still lose some water through evaporation. To prevent water loss and cuttings from drying out, expose as little material as possible above the ground.
The cutting will initially develop roots both along the stem and in the cut area at its base.
Gradually, the roots along the stem disappear and the root system of the new plant develops completely from the basal roots.
How to propagate Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ by hardwood cuttings step by step?
The procedure is very easy.
Prepare the soil mix
First, I prepare the compost for the cuttings. I use a generic potting soil mix and coarse sand to improve drainage and prevent the cuttings from rotting.
In fact, cuttings can be rooted simply in coarse sand without any soil.
Take and prepare the cuttings
Then, I cut healthy branches that look vigorous growing in the parent Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ plant.
And we can divide the longest branches in several cuttings.
At the bottom cut just below a node, as this is where the roots will form. Remove the buds with a knife.
Also remove all the buds that will be buried to expose the inner tissues of the stem.
I only leave a couple of buds on top of the cutting. It will be these buds that will sprout and grow.
Plant the cuttings
I fill a pot with compost and plant them. We just need to leave the tip of the cutting outside, everything else is buried.
Water, protect and wait
Finally, I water the cuttings and place them outside in a relatively sheltered place. But outdoors! They need to “feel” autumn and winter.
Rain, cold and frosts will take over the cuttings and they will sprout in spring and grow as new Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ plants.
When they grow in spring, keep them shaded at first and resist the immediate temptation to fertilize them.
See the results in the next page…
