Garden Care Guide

Wayfaring Tree Care

Viburnum lantana

A very hardy and adaptable shrub that can tolerate dry and calcareous (alkaline) soils. It is decorative with its cream-white flowers that open in spring and fruits that turn from red to black in autumn. It is an easy-care plant for Izmir's climate.

Hardy · -25 °C / -13 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Not required; the plant is dormant and winter rains are sufficient.
  • Pruning: To rejuvenate the plant, old and unproductive branches can be cut at the base. Wait until late spring for the main pruning.
February
  • Pruning: Remove branches damaged in winter. Wait for the main pruning.
  • General care: The plant is preparing to wake up.
March
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Fertilizing: If the soil is very poor, a slow-release balanced fertilizer or compost can be applied at the beginning of the month. Do not overapply.
  • Pruning: Not done; wait for it to flower.
  • Plant protection: Check the newly emerging fresh leaves for aphids.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
April
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for aphids (green or black clusters of small insects) on fresh shoot tips. If there are only a few, you can knock them off with a strong jet of water.
May
  • Watering: As the summer heat begins, regular watering of young plants in particular is important. Established plants are drought tolerant.
  • Pruning: Right after flowering ends is the best time to shape the plant and control its size.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Flowering begins.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for aphids (green or black clusters of small insects) on fresh shoot tips. If there are only a few, you can knock them off with a strong jet of water.
June
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Flowering continues.
  • Pests & diseases: Look for aphids (green or black clusters of small insects) on fresh shoot tips. If there are only a few, you can knock them off with a strong jet of water.
July
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • Pruning: Prune as soon as flowering ends. Next year's flower buds form over the summer; late pruning reduces flowering.
  • General care: The fruits begin to change color.
August
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
  • General care: The fruits begin to turn from red to black.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the general health of the plant.
September
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • General care: This is one of the plant's most ornamental periods, when red and black fruit clusters can be seen together. It is one of the best months for planting new saplings.
October
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
November
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Pruning: After the leaves have completely fallen, pruning can be planned.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting. Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under them.
December
  • Pruning: This is the most suitable period for pruning.
  • General care: The plant is fully dormant. Its black berries may remain on the branches through winter.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.

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