Viburnum bodnantense 'Charles Lamont'

Planting Advice for your Viburnum bodnantense 'Charles Lamont':

• Shrub roots generally tend to spread out rather than down, so dig a planting hole 3 x wider than the roots of the shrub you're planting and mix some well-rotted compost or manure with the soil from the hole and use this to re-fill one the shrub is in place.
• We've found that a square hole is better than a round one as the new roots, once they reach the edges tend to grow in a circle round the circumference of the hole whereas when they reach the corners of a square hole, they find it easier to grow through.
• Before planting soak container-grown shrubs thoroughly and allow to drain.
• Remove the plant from its pot and tease out a few of the roots.
• Add Mycorrhizal fungi to the roots when planting to help plants establish quicker.
• Place your shrub in the hole at the same level at the pot.
• Refill the hole with the earth removed (backfilling).
• Firm in the soil with your heel, avoiding the root ball and water well.
• Mulch around the base of the plant with a collar, compost, gravel, bark etc.

If you’re planting into pots, place some old rocks, stones or gravel in the bottom of the pot for drainage and ballast.
Use the best compost you can buy and some sand or grit for drainage.

Aftercare advice for Viburnum 'Charles Lamont':

• Keep plants well-watered while they establish, especially if planted up in a pot.
• Viburnum should be watered thoroughly during dry periods ensuring the soil is kept moist throughout active growth.
• Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture levels while providing additional nutrients.
• Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring or after pruning.

Pruning advice for your viburnum:

• Pruning is not essential although plants benefit from an occasional renewal, removing up to one in five of the oldest and weakest branches to the base. Any branches that are dead, or damaged can also be removed.
  Plants can be trimmed if necessary to manage height and shape.
• Any pruning can be carried out after flowering.
• After pruning, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) layer of mulch such as well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.