Viburnum plicatum
Japanese snowball
A deciduous shrub to 3m high, with broad spreading branches giving a layered effect. Leaves are broadly ovate, mid green and pleated, and often provide good autumn colour. Flat, lacecap-like flowerheads, with clusters of tiny white flowers surrounded by larger sterile flowers, are produced in late spring and early summer in double rows along the upper sides of the branches. These are followed by berries that turn red and then black as they mature
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow Orange Red | Red Black | ||
| Winter | Black |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Viburnum can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple or palmately lobed leaves and clusters of small, often fragrant white or pink flowers, followed by red, blue or black berries
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by grafting in late summer or winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, if necessary prune immediately after flowering, though this will prevent development of berries
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle
Diseases
May be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot
Get involved
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