Viburnum lantana ‘Mohican’ (Wayfaring Tree)

The Viburnum lantana ‘Mohican’ is a compact Wayfaring Tree cultivar prized for its distinctive characteristics, like dense foliage and ornamental berries. It’s a favorite for landscape designers and homeowners alike.

Viburnum lantana ‘Mohican’: An In-depth Look

Native: While the species Viburnum lantana is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, ‘Mohican’ is a cultivar developed for specific landscape uses.

Plant Type and Habit: It is a deciduous shrub with a more compact and dense habit than the species. It forms a rounded mound with arching branches.

Size: ‘Mohican’ typically reaches a height of 6 to 8 feet and a similar spread, making it somewhat smaller than the standard Viburnum lantana.

Flowers: The shrub produces clusters of creamy-white flowers, albeit less fragrant than other Viburnums. The flowers generally appear in late spring, typically around May.

Fruits: After the flowering period, the shrub yields small red berries lasting a month before turning black as they ripen towards the end of summer.

Foliage: Its leaves are dark green and more leathery than the species, providing excellent texture in a garden setting. They turn a range of yellow to red hues in the fall. ‘Mohican’ is resistant to bacterial leaf spot.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 7, ‘Mohican’ is a durable plant that can tolerate a range of conditions.

Uses: Its dense foliage makes an excellent hedge or screen. It can also be featured as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border.

Wildlife: The berries attract various bird species. Pollinators like bees and butterflies also find the flowers appealing.

Deer and Rabbits: The shrub has a level of resistance against deer, making it a favored choice for areas with a significant deer population. Rabbits might occasionally nibble on it.

Toxicity: Though a visual treat, the fruits are toxic when ingested and can cause stomach upsets. Care should be taken if planting in areas accessible to pets or children. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Drought: Once established, ‘Mohican’ shows significant drought resistance, although it prefers consistent moisture.

Invasiveness: Less invasive than its parent species, its growth can still be vigorous. It’s advisable to monitor its spread, especially in regions where it is not native. Check where Wayfaring tree is invasive in the U.S.

Benefits: Along with its aesthetic appeal, it offers benefits such as low maintenance, adaptability to various soil types, and year-round interest due to its foliage, flowers, and fruits.

How to Grow and Care for Wayfaring Tree

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for optimal growth.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained, moderately fertile loam.

Water: Regular watering is essential, especially in dry conditions. Once established, it shows reasonable drought tolerance.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Organic matter like compost can also be beneficial.

Pruning: Best pruned immediately after flowering to maintain shape and control size. Remove any dead or diseased branches. However, this will eliminate the summer fruit display.

Propagation: Can be propagated via softwood cuttings in early summer or by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn.

Pests and Diseases: Generally disease-resistant but can be susceptible to aphids, viburnum beetle, root rot, botrytis. This shrub is reported to be resistant to bacterial leaf spot. Apply appropriate treatments as needed.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Viburnum lantana will thrive and contribute its multi-seasonal beauty to your garden.