Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum

Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum

Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum, commonly known as Doublefile Viburnum or Japanese Snowball Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family of plants. Native to Japan and China, this shrub can reach a height of about 15 feet or 5 meters.

While Japanese Snowball Viburnum Plicatum is a sterile plant, likely a cultivar of this species, Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum exists in nature. The nomenclatural roles were reserved due to the observation of Japanese Snowball prior to the discovery of the natural species, as noted by Elizabeth Alice Flint (1909-2011), a New Zealand botanist, in 1999.

Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum is an upright, multibranched shrub with dark green leaves. The leaves are opposite, simple, and serrated, exhibiting a pleated appearance and deep veining. During autumn, the foliage undergoes a transformation, turning shades of red and purple. In spring, Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum produces large clusters of small white flowers in an inflorescence. The inflorescence consists of larger sterile flowers that surround the smaller fertile ones. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to ovoid-shaped red fruits that later mature to black color.

Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum
Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum in London, UK

How to grow Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum:

To successfully grow Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum, provide it with a sunny or partially shaded location. Plant it in moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. While this variety prefers moist loams, it can adapt to various soil types. The attractive flowers of Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum act as a magnet for butterflies and bees. It exhibits a degree of tolerance to drought conditions. Pruning is best done immediately after flowering, if necessary. Generally, this shrub is disease-free and pest-free. Propagation can be achieved through softwood cuttings.

Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum is a versatile and visually appealing shrub, providing a beautiful display of white flowers in spring and attractive foliage throughout the growing season. With its adaptability to different soil types and its resistance to pests and diseases, it makes for a low-maintenance addition to gardens and landscapes. The ability to attract butterflies and bees further enhances its ecological value, while the ease of propagation through softwood cuttings offers opportunities for gardeners to propagate and share this delightful shrub with others.

Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum
Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum

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