viburnum plicatum tomentosum summer snowflake

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Viburnum plicatum tomentosum Summer Snowflake is a truly charming deciduous shrub that adds year-round elegance to New Zealand gardens. Renowned for its layered, horizontal branching and generous display of long-lasting pure white flowers, this variety is an effortless choice for gardeners wanting showy blooms, reliable structure, and easy-care beauty. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions makes it a favourite among both novice and experienced gardeners, and its graceful flowers echo the gentle snowfall—hence its evocative name. Looking for a viburnum that provides prolonged flower power and striking foliage? Summer Snowflake is the perfect answer.

Viburnum plicatum Tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum)

Doublefile Viburnum

Viburnum plicatum "Tomentosum" is a variety of the commonly known, Japanese Snowball Bush, and is a deciduous shrub grown for its layered foliage and showy flowers. Clusters of white, lacecap flowers are borne during spring on tiered branches that also host dark green leaves. The combination of flowers and foliage is very aesthetic.

Viburnum plicatum Tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum)

Suited to regions:
All regions
Plant type:
Shrubs
Height:
3.00 m
Spread:
2.50 m
Flowering time:
Spring
Tolerances:
Hardy
Garden uses:
Living areas
Garden styles:
Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

More species and varieties of Viburnum

Popular Deciduous Shrubs

Viburnum plicatum Tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum)

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Features and Seasonal Interest

Viburnum plicatum tomentosum Summer Snowflake stands out for its prolific flowering. Unlike many viburnums that flower in a spring flush, Summer Snowflake opens its flat, lacecap-like clusters along the branches from late spring right through to early autumn. The effect is a series of “snowfalls” that shimmer against deep green, textured leaves. As autumn arrives, these leaves transition to rich shades of purple and red, providing multi-season colour in your landscape.

Where and How to Grow

This versatile shrub fits beautifully into mixed borders, shrub groupings, or as a stunning specimen. Choose a site with well-drained soil in full sun to part shade for the best performance. Summer Snowflake tolerates a range of soils and, once established, can withstand periods of dry weather. A sheltered spot will help protect its beautiful flower clusters from strong winds.

For companion planting, consider pairing Summer Snowflake with lush, textural shrubs that thrive in similar conditions. Explore complementary options like Viburnum 'Emerald Beauty' for additional interest, or Hydrangea Schneeball to echo the snowball effect in a different season.

Design Ideas and Landscape Uses

Viburnum plicatum tomentosum Summer Snowflake is highly valued for its tiered, architectural shape and ability to enliven foundation plantings, woodland edges, or cottage-inspired borders. Use as an informal screen, in mass plantings, or let it shine as a single specimen backed by evergreens like Westringia Blue Gem or Acmena smithii Forest Flame.

Mixing several viburnum varieties creates visual rhythm and year-round interest. Try including Viburnum 'Emerald Lustre' for glossy foliage, Viburnum opulus Sterile (Snowball Bush) for springtime globes of white, or the delightfully scented Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' for late winter fragrance.

Care Tips

Viburnum plicatum tomentosum Summer Snowflake is easy to care for. Simply prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any old or damaged wood. Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and add organic matter. Its resistance to most pests and diseases makes it a low-maintenance marvel for both urban and country gardens.

Related Viburnums

Love the look of Summer Snowflake? Discover more possibilities to enrich your garden with varieties such as Viburnum davidii (female) or partner with colourful foliage from Photinia Red Blaze (Photinia Scarlet Blaze). For white flowers with a native twist, Callistemon 'White Anzac' (White Bottlebrush) is also a beautiful addition.

Bring elegance, structure, and year-round life to your landscape with viburnums, starting with the unforgettable Viburnum plicatum tomentosum Summer Snowflake.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.