ABSTRACT
Most Viburnums are propagated by seed or cuttings. Many root relatively easily from semi-ripe cuttings but some subsequently grow very slowly and, for commercial reasons, are grafted to accelerate growth. Viburnum grafting is dominated by summer grafting. Because of the relative ease of grafting Viburnums, summer grafting often involves the use of apical grafts. Apical methods using a splice, or short tongue veneer, are suggested after potted rootstocks are headed back to 25mm above compost level. Side veneer grafts may be used and can achieve equal, or more, numbers of grafts completed per hour if rootstock tops are cut back to a suitable height, permitting rapid tying-in. The graft is more easily accomplished because the rootstock stem can be pulled back to provide more exposure, better access and provide more choice of exact, low placement. Dutch grafters state that V. plicatum forms show delayed compatibility when grafted to V. lantana and favour V. opulus as the rootstock.
