Viburnum plicatum aka Japanese Snowball
Taxonomy ID: 10201
Viburnum plicatum, a species of flowering plant in the Adoxaceae family, is native to mainland China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. This hardy, deciduous shrub has a prostrate habit and pendulous branches adorned with light green foliage that turns a vibrant red in the autumn. The leaves, characterized by their pleated upper surfaces, are ovate, toothed, and strongly-veined, reaching a length of 4 inches. Sparse white flowers bloom in the spring, followed by scattered berries. With a dense and upright growth habit, this multi-stemmed shrub typically reaches a height of 8-15 feet and a slightly larger spread. In the fall, the leaves transform into a striking burgundy red to purplish red hue.
Common names
Japanese Snowball, Hydrangea, Snowball Bush, Pleated Viburnum, Japanese Snowball BushMore information about Japanese Snowball
How difficult is it to take care of Japanese Snowball
Japanese Snowball is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the growth pattern and size of Japanese Snowball?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Japanese Snowball
Japanese Snowball’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.
What are the water needs for Japanese Snowball
Japanese Snowball should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Japanese Snowball
Japanese Snowball loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Japanese Snowball
Japanese Snowball requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Japanese Snowball will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Japanese Snowball
The growth of Japanese Snowball is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Is Japanese Snowball toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
What seasonal care does Japanese Snowball need?
During the cold period, it is common for Japanese Snowball to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
About Ploi
Ploi is a 4.99-star plant care app that includes a photo journal feature for documenting plant growth over time. Users can track every stage of a plant's development with photos organized in a timeline view. The app also provides adaptive watering reminders, species-specific care guides, activity tracking for all care types, and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
