Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum)

Botanical Information

FamilyViburnaceae (Adoxaceae)
GenusViburnum
Speciesplicatum
Formatomentosum
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginChina and Japan. Introduced in 1865.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-16
Temperature (°F)25
Height2.4 - 3 m
Spread2.7 - 3.6 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA medium to large deciduous shrub that has dark green leaves and reddish- orange berries that turn black in early autumn. It is a broad, rounded shrub when mature with beautiful white flowers that bloom in early spring.
ShapeBroad rounded crown.
LandscapeUsed for massing, screens, shrub borders, and blends well into a border because of its horizontal lines the break up the upright growing shrubs. It can also be integrated into foundation plantings, especially in corners.
PropagationPropagation by softwood or hardwood cuttings.
CultivationPrefers to be grown in partial shade and moist soil. If grown in full sun it is at risk of drought. It has a fibrous root system and can be easily transplanted. Needs to be pruned ever so often to prevent the plant to becoming overgrown and unkempt.
PestsCan suffer from stem dieback and can also suffer from drought from late spring to summer heat.
Bark/Stem DescriptionWhen young the stems are brown with pubescent tomentose, and older branches are a dark- grey colour with orangish lenticels. Many of the small branches at the node create a fishbone effect.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionTan brown, hairy and are angle towards the stem.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are a dark green colour and are oblong-ovate. They are opposite creating a 'dog- eared' effect down the stem. The leaf size varies: 5 - 12 cm long with a width of around 2.2 - 6.3 cm.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are a beautiful pure snow white. They produce no fragrance and have 4 to 5 lobes, each being approximately 1.9 - 3.8 cm wide. The inner flowers are fertile but not showy, and the anthers grow mid-April to May The flowers create a 'milky way' effect as they flow down the branches.
Fruit DescriptionDrupe, egg-shaped fruit that are about 0.83 cm in diameter.
Colour DescriptionDark green leaf colour with a consistent reddish-purple colouring in autumn. The berries are a vibrant red and contrast well against the dark green leaves and white flowers. When young the stems are brown with pubescent tomentose, and older branches are a dark- grey colour with orangish lenticels.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs