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Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum
doublefile viburnum
Japan, Korea, and China; mountain forests and woodland edgesLearn more
Overview
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum is doublefile viburnum, a spreading deciduous shrub growing 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) tall and 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) wide with distinctive horizontal layered branching — wider than tall. White lacecap flower clusters 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) with a ring of large sterile florets 1 inch (2.5 cm) surrounding small fertile flowers, borne in two parallel rows (doublefiles) along the tops of the horizontal branches in May (3 weeks). Red berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) ripen to black in late summer. Dark green prominently veined and pleated ovate opposite leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Turns red, burgundy, and purple in fall. In Adoxaceae. Native to Japan, Korea, and China. This is the lacecap form — distinguished from f. plicatum (Japanese snowball — all sterile, round snowball clusters, no berries). The large mature width (8-15 feet / 2.4-4.5 m) is frequently underestimated at planting — this space requirement is the primary limitation. Not drought-tolerant — leaf scorch and dieback in dry conditions. Does not tolerate hot afternoon sun in zones 7-8. Common cultivars: 'Mariesii', 'Shasta', 'Summer Snowflake' (reblooming). Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to Japan, Korea, and China. Found in mountain forests and woodland edges.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen shrub in sites with 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) of horizontal space, spaced 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m). Horizontal layered branching with doublefile lacecap flowers. Red-to-black berries for wildlife. Afternoon shade in hot climates. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread8' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May). White lacecap clusters 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) with large sterile florets around fertile center, in two parallel rows along horizontal branches. 3 weeks on old wood. Bee- and butterfly-visited. Red-to-black berries follow.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White lacecap clusters 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) — a ring of large sterile florets 1 inch (2.5 cm) surrounding small fertile flowers; borne in two parallel rows (doublefiles) along the tops of the horizontal branchesFoliage Description
Dark green, simple, ovate, opposite, prominently veined and pleated, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); turns red, burgundy, and purple in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours — afternoon shade in hot climates). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Not drought-tolerant — leaf scorch in dry conditions. Allow full mature width (8-15 feet / 2.4-4.5 m). Blooms on old wood — prune after flowering (June). Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Prune after flowering (June) — blooms on old wood. Minimal pruning needed — the horizontal layered form is natural. Do not shear or top. Remove dead or crossing branches. Allow full width.Pruning Schedule
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