Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum
Japanese snowball tree
A deciduous shrub, up to around 3m high, with spreading branches and heart-shaped, toothed, deeply veined leaves that turn orange and red in autumn. In mid-to late spring, produces lace-cap flowerheads along the branches, with tiny creamy white flowers in the centre and larger, white sterile florets around the edges. These are followed by red berries that ripen to black
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Orange Red | Red Black | ||
| Winter |
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 GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- 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
Grows well in most moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils, in full sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
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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