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Can different Viburnums cross-polinate or do I need the same...

Posted by njbiology Zone 7(/6b); NJ (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 20, 07 at 22:55

Hi,

I want to plant edible, non-cultivar viburnums which are native to my local area (Northern New Jersey). These would be: V. lentago (Nannyberry); V. Prunifolium (Blackhaw); & V. trilobum (Cranberrybush). In addition, I would plant V. nudum (Witherod) which is not edible.

QUESTION:

Must I plant a pair of EACH individual specie in order for polination to occur for fruiting, or will they mutually polinate eachother, despite being different species?

Note: I do understand that when they are of the same specie, them must not be too closely related (i.e. two Viburnum lentagos must not come from the same mother plant); I am just wondering if, for instance, V. lentago and V. nudum, etc. could sucessfully polinate eachother.

Thanks,
Steve

p.s.: If anyone is growing an American Persimmon or Salix discolor that is greater then 20', please let me know - I'm looking for a full photo beyond the score of what I could find online.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Can different Viburnums cross-polinate or do I need the same.

To the best of my knowledge, straight species viburnums don't need a pollinator. They will fruit more heavily with one, but it isn't necessary.


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RE: Can different Viburnums cross-polinate or do I need the same.

My understanding is the same as Terry's. But to have a heavier fruit definitely plant different species that flower at the same time. That way they will cross pollinate. From what I understand, a named cultivar is of the same genetic material so cannot cross pollinate each other. For example, blue muffin arrowwood (no matter where you get them) are from the same parentage and so will be of no good to each other. On the other hand, if you have a blue muffin and another of a different name or a straight species, they should be able to cross-pollinate each other as long as they flower at the same time.

I am no expert though. I would try to find someone or even search the old threads to find some info from Kevin z5(?) or Viburnum Valley. They are both what I would call experts on viburnums and have posted some great info on this forum on this topic over the years. If you have no luck doing that, I would hop on over to the shrubs forum.


 
 

 

 


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