Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball)

Viburnum plicatum, commonly known as Japanese Snowball, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its stunning spherical flower clusters resembling snowballs.

Viburnum plicatum: An In-depth Look

Native: This plant species is native to Japan and China.

Plant Type and Habit: It’s a deciduous shrub that usually maintains an upright, multi-stemmed habit.

Size: The shrub typically reaches a height of 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 meters) and can spread 10-18 feet (3-5.4 meters) wide under optimal conditions.

Flowers: The eye-catching feature of this plant is its white, snowball-like flower clusters that can be as large as 3 inches (7 cm) across. The flowers are sterile, non-fragrant and are borne along the branches. The shrub usually flowers in mid to late spring, providing a splendid display for several weeks.

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

Foliage: The dark green leaves are broadly ovate, toothed and strongly-veined. They have a pleated appearance, giving rise to the name ‘plicatum,’ meaning ‘pleated.’ In the fall, the leaves often change to attractive shades of burgundy or red, adding seasonal interest.

Hardiness: It is winter-hardy in USDA zones 5-8.

Uses: Due to its ornamental features, Japanese Snowball is often used in mixed borders, as a standalone specimen, or even as a flowering hedge.

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: While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, it’s relatively tolerant of short periods of drought once established.

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

Benefits: Key benefits include ornamental value, relatively low maintenance requirements, and resistance to common pests and diseases.

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.