Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum
Viburnums are a large, diverse collection of shrubs and at RHS Garden Hyde Hall we hold one of the National Collections for this genus which look at their best through spring and early summer.
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum makes a spectacular shrub, forming a striking shape with its layered branches that span out horizontally with the flowers borne along the tops of the branches. We grow this Viburnum in a mixed border in the Hilltop Garden among other viburnums interspersed with perennials and grasses. This is a rare shrub that looks at its best grown as a single specimen in a border or lawn so that its overall shape can be fully appreciated.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Japanese snow ball bush
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Height & spread
- 3m (10ft) 4m (12ft)
- Form
- Spreading, deciduous shrub
- Soil
- Any moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich soil
- Aspect
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
Viburnum
This is a genus of 150 or more species of evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs and sometimes trees, from thickets and woodland, mainly occurring in N. temperate regions, but extending to S.E. Asia and South America.
The genus Viburnum includes some of the most choice and valuable shrubs in cultivation, as a group they are probably unrivalled in their ability to provide interest in every month of the year. They are cultivated for their foliage, flowers and fruits. Their flowers are usually white or cream, pink-flushed or wholly pink in colour, sometimes in showy ‘lacecap’ corymbs and are often very fragrant, especially in the winter flowering species and their hybrids. The ornamental fruits are usually spherical or ovoid and may be red, blue or black.
Viburnums are suitable for a shrub border or woodland garden. Many show self-incompatibility; fruiting is often best if several seedlings of the same species are planted together so that cross-pollination can occur. The fruits on viburnums may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
All viburnums other than V. macrocephalum, which should be grown against a wall, are suitable for any shrub border and specimen plantings.
Some species of Viburnum, such as V. opulus, are good wildlife plants as they produce high energy berries for birds and deer.
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum
From Japan and China, this is a deciduous bushy shrub to 4m (12ft); branches mostly horizontally spreading and overlapping, with heart-shaped, tapered, toothed, deeply veined, dark green leaves to 10cm (4in) long, turning red-purple in autumn. In late spring it bears large, sterile white florets to 3cm (1 ¼in) or more across and bears few fruits.
Cultivation
• Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
• Prefers full sun or partial shade.
• Aphids and viburnum beetles may be a problem.
• All viburnums are prone to honey fungus and leaf spot.
Propagation
• Sow seed in containers in a cold frame or in a seed bed.
• Take greenwood cuttings in summer.