Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

viburnum plicatum var plicatum

Viburnum plicatum var plicatum is a showstopping deciduous shrub prized for its elegant, layered branches and masses of striking white spring flowers. Often called the Japanese Snowball Bush, this selection creates a dramatic focal point in gardens across New Zealand, thanks to its distinctive horizontal tiers and lush, deeply textured foliage. The classic lacecap blooms of Viburnum plicatum var plicatum cover the plant in spring, attracting pollinators and bringing a touch of seasonal freshness to any landscape. Throughout the summer and autumn, the dark green leaves provide a handsome backdrop, turning shades of red and purple as the weather cools.

Viburnum plicatum

Viburnum plicatum, commonly known as the Japanese Snowball Plant, is a deciduous shrub that features showy clusters of white, pompom-like flowers during spring. These are borne on the gently arching branches that also host dark green leaves. The combination of flowers and foliage is very aesthetic as it grows to 2.5 m tall and the same wide. Viburnum plicatum is commonly grown as a specimen, included in a mixed planting, or used as a backdrop for smaller plants.

viburnum-plicatum--3
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    2.50 m
  • Spread:
    2.50 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring, Winter
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Living areas
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
viburnum-emerald-beauty-3
Most Popular Viburnum 'Emerald Beauty'

Viburnum Emerald Beauty is a popular variety due to its impressive foliage and showy flowers. Purple-pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters...

From$27.53
viburnum-emerald-lustre-
Most Popular Viburnum 'Emerald Lustre'

Viburnum Emerald Lustre features pink flower buds that open to reveal clusters of mildly fragrant, white-light pink flowers during winter and early...

From$30.29
viburnum-opulus-sterile-
Most Popular Viburnum opulus Sterile

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' (Snowball Bush) is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded clusters of pure white flowers that resemble...

From$27.53
viburnum-dawn-2
Most Popular Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn'

Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' is a beautiful deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant soft pink flowers that appear from late autumn through winter...

From$37.19
viburnum-davidii-female--2
Most Popular Viburnum davidii (female)

This female variety of Viburnum is a popular evergreen shrub due to its lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy...

From$27.53
camellia-sasanqua-paradise-helen-
Most Popular Camellia 'Paradise Helen'

Camellia 'Paradise Helen' is a graceful evergreen shrub that produces soft pink blooms, adding elegance and seasonal colour to New Zealand gardens...

From$27.53
hibiscus-syriacus-blushing-bride--1
Most Popular Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride'

Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride' is a beautiful flowering shrub that brings soft romantic colour to New Zealand gardens. Its elegant blooms display delicate...

From$27.53
rhaphiolepis-cosmic-white-2
Most Popular Rhaphiolepis 'Cosmic White'

Rhaphiolepis 'Cosmic White' (Indian Hawthorn) is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of brilliant white...

From$34.43
coprosma-repens-plum-hussey--1
Most Popular Coprosma 'Plum Hussey'

Coprosma 'Plum Hussey' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich plum purple foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful New...

From$20.63
Abutilon megapotamicum red and yellow flower.
Most Popular Abutilon megapotamicum

Abutilon megapotamicum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon or Chinese Lantern, is a graceful shrub with arching stems and distinctive red and yellow...

From$27.53
Viburnum plicatum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Viburnum or Deciduous Shrubs.

Search Viburnum plicatum

Features and Benefits of Viburnum plicatum var plicatum

One of the defining qualities of Viburnum plicatum var plicatum is its remarkable tiered branching, forming a beautiful, naturally layered silhouette. During late spring, each branch is adorned with clusters of white flowers, producing a ‘floating cloud’ effect that’s truly enchanting. This vibrant shrub is an excellent choice for borders, mixed shrub beds, or as a specimen to highlight its unique shape.

In addition to its ornamental beauty, this viburnum variety is robust and easy to grow. It thrives in full sun to part shade, preferring well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Once established, it’s low-maintenance and responds well to light pruning after flowering to maintain its layered form.

How to Grow Viburnum plicatum var plicatum

Planting Viburnum plicatum var plicatum is straightforward, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Choose a spot with enough space for the distinctive horizontal branches to develop, as mature plants can spread up to 3 metres wide. Dig in plenty of compost or organic matter to enrich the soil, and water well during the first growing season. Mulching in spring will help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

This Viburnum tolerates light frost and is generally pest-resistant, making it a reliable addition to New Zealand gardens. For formal hedging or screening, space several plants around 2–3 metres apart. Light pruning right after blooming keeps growth tidy without sacrificing next year’s flowers.

Companion Plants for Viburnum plicatum var plicatum

Viburnum plicatum var plicatum pairs beautifully with other flowering shrubs. Consider combining it with other garden favourites like Viburnum 'Emerald Beauty' for long-lasting interest and textural contrast, or brighten up your shrub border with Viburnum opulus Sterile (Snowball Bush) for additional layers of spectacular white flowers. For even more year-round color and fragrance, add Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' or the compact Viburnum davidii (female).

For contrasting blooms and forms, mingle with Hibiscus 'Lady Stanley', evergreen texture from Olearia angulata, or silver-frosted foliage from Olearia phlogopappa (Shrubby Daisy Bush). For pollinators, tuck in aromatic Rosmarinus 'Masons Finest' or the tropical blue flowers of Clerodendrum ugandense (Butterfly Bush).

Why Choose Viburnum plicatum var plicatum

Whether you’re designing a new landscape or refreshing an established garden, Viburnum plicatum var plicatum offers a winning combination of visual elegance, adaptability, and reliability. It’s the perfect shrub for creating structure and seasonal drama, complimenting a wide variety of traditional and contemporary planting schemes. Add this viburnum to your garden, and enjoy year after year of beauty and easy care.


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.

You know Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) and Sambucus nigra, but have you met Eugenia ventenatii, Cordyline Electric Star, and Camellia transnokoensis? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews