Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum, doublefile viburnum
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Deciduous Shrubs

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum

doublefile viburnum

AdoxaceaeJapan, Korea, China

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m)
Width8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m)
Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum is a deciduous shrub reaching 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m) tall with a spread of 8-15 feet (2.4-4.6 m), developing the same broad, layered, tiered form with strongly horizontal branching as f. plicatum. This is the wild-type form and the 'doublefile viburnum' — so named because the flat-topped lacecap flower clusters are arranged in two rows (double files) along the upper surface of horizontal branches in May. Each flower cluster is 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, with a ring of large, showy, white sterile florets 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) surrounding a center of small, yellowish-white fertile florets. The lacecap arrangement allows pollination and fruit set. Fruit is red, ripening to blue-black, 0.3 inch (8 mm), in clusters, attractive but often short-lived as birds consume them quickly. Leaves are opposite, simple, broadly ovate, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), strongly veined and pleated (plicate), dark green, turning reddish-purple in fall. Growth rate is moderate at 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) per year. The horizontal tiered branching, lacecap flowers, and fruit make this the more ornamentally versatile and ecologically valuable of the two forms. Cultivars include 'Mariesii' (heavy flowering), 'Shasta' (extra-wide spreading), and 'Summer Snowflake' (reblooming).

Native Range

Native to Japan, Korea, and China, occurring in forest margins and woodland edges. The wild-type form, introduced to Western cultivation after f. plicatum.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen where the architectural horizontal branching and lacecap flowers can be fully appreciated, spaced 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m) from other plants. The wider-than-tall habit creates a dramatic horizontal presence. Fruit attracts birds (unlike the sterile f. plicatum). Effective near water, in woodland edges, and in Japanese garden-inspired settings. 'Mariesii' is the most commonly available selection. 'Shasta' is wider and lower.

How to Identify

Identified by strongly horizontal, tiered branching, flat-topped lacecap flower clusters with showy white sterile florets ringing small fertile ones arranged in two rows along branch tops, and pleated ovate leaves. Distinguished from f. plicatum (Japanese snowball) by flat lacecap (not globular snowball) flower clusters, presence of fertile flowers, and fruit production. Distinguished from V. opulus by ovate unlobed (not 3-lobed maple-like) leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread8' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red
purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
White lacecap flower clusters in two rows along horizontal branches in May, lasting 2-3 weeks. The flat-topped clusters with showy sterile florets ringing fertile centers are elegant and refined. Red to blue-black fruit follows in July to August; birds consume fruit quickly. 'Summer Snowflake' reblooms sporadically through summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Dark green, strongly veined and pleated

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

4-6 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly; prefers consistent moisture. Plant in full sun to part shade; afternoon shade in warmer areas. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Protect from hot, dry conditions. Not as susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle as V. opulus. The wider-than-tall growth habit requires adequate lateral space — do not crowd.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in June. Minimal pruning recommended — the horizontal, tiered branching is the primary architectural feature. Remove only dead, crossing, or damaged branches. Do not shear or reshape. Thin congested growth to maintain the open, layered structure. The horizontal form becomes more dramatic with age; allow the plant to develop naturally.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic