Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum ‘Mary Milton’ (Japanese Snowball)

‘Mary Milton’ is a cultivar of Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum, commonly known as Japanese Snowball. This ornamental shrub is characterized by its stunning, pink snowball clusters of flowers, along with its intricately pleated, horizontally arranged leaves.

Viburnum ‘Mary Milton’: An In-depth Look

Native: The species Viburnum plicatum is native to Japan, China, and Taiwan. The ‘Mary Milton’ cultivar has been developed for ornamental use and is often found in gardens and landscapes outside its native range.

Plant Type and Habit: This is a deciduous shrub with a spreading habit. It usually grows with multiple stems, creating a layered appearance.

Size: ‘Mary Milton’ generally reaches a height and spread of 8 to 10 feet (240-300 cm).

Flowers: This cultivar is particularly admired for its pink to rose-colored flowers, uncommon in this species typically known for white blooms. The flower heads are globe-shaped, resembling snowballs, and can be up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. They bloom in late spring to early summer, generally from May to June.

Fruits: Unlike its tomentosum counterpart (Doublefile Viburnum), Japanese Snowball does not produce berries.

Foliage: The leaves are mid-green, pleated, and somewhat oval in shape. In the fall, the foliage may turn to attractive shades of red and purple.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, making it a versatile choice for many climates.

Award: Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Uses: ‘Mary Milton’ is commonly used as a specimen plant due to its striking appearance. It also works well in shrub borders and can be used for hedging. Its height and spread make it suitable for creating privacy screens as well.

Wildlife: While it doesn’t produce berries to attract birds, the flowers can attract pollinators such as butterflies.

Deer and Rabbits: The shrub has moderate deer resistance, which means it may escape browsing in areas with low deer pressure. Rabbits generally avoid it.

Toxicity: Viburnum plicatum is generally considered non-toxic to both pets and humans.

Drought: Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but prefers consistent moisture for optimal growth and flowering.

Invasiveness:  Find where this species is invasive in the United States. Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Benefits: This cultivar offers multiple benefits: aesthetic appeal through its unique flower color, the ability to attract pollinators, and seasonal interest through its foliage. Additionally, it is a relatively low-maintenance shrub, requiring only minimal pruning to maintain its shape.

How to Grow and Care for Japanese Snowball

Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. The more sun, the more flowers.

Soil: Well-drained, loamy to sandy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Organic matter like compost can also be beneficial.

Pruning: Best to prune right after flowering not to affect next year’s blooms. Remove any dead or diseased branches.

Propagation: Softwood cuttings are most successful when taken in late spring or early summer.

Pests and Diseases: No serious insect or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, scale insects, thrips, or viburnum beetle. Occasional disease problems include leaf spot and powdery mildew. Apply appropriate treatments as needed.

Follow these guidelines to give your Viburnum plicatum the best chance for a healthy, vibrant life in your garden.