Viburnum plicatum
Japanese Snowball
Common names: Tiered Snowball
Photo: Wouter Hagens · Public Domain · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Japanese Snowball grows in clear, horizontal tiers, becoming an architectural focal point in the garden. In May to June, the branches are covered with white, plate-like flowers that resemble small snowballs at their edges. In autumn, the foliage turns warm red and bronze tones before falling. Unlike the native Common Snowball, this species originates from East Asia and adds structural variety to hedges and solitary plantings, especially in popular cultivars such as 'Mariesii'.
Care instructions
Plant the Japanese Snowball in a semi‑shaded to sunny spot with humus‑rich, evenly moist soil; it does not tolerate heavy midday sun or waterlogging. Water regularly during the first year, especially in prolonged dry spells in summer. Pruning is rarely necessary; if shaping is desired, cut immediately after flowering in June to preserve the tiered structure and allow flower buds to mature for the next year. A mulch layer of leaf litter or bark humus in spring keeps the root zone moist and suppresses competing vegetation. In harsh conditions, young plants benefit from some winter protection on the north side.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, humus-rich, moist, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Medium feeder
Pruning
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