Viburnum plicatum aka Japanese Snowball

Viburnum plicatum, or Japanese snowball, belongs to the Viburnaceae family. This shrub sheds its leaves each year. It comes from China, Japan, and Taiwan, in temperate Asia. Kew places its range in central and southern China and Japan. It grows many stems and forms a dense, spreading crown. Garden plants reach 8–15 feet [2.4–4.6 metres] tall. Their width can reach 10–18 feet [3.0–5.5 metres]. RHS gives a smaller upper size of about 13 feet [4 metres].

The branches spread out and can form clear tiers. Dark green leaves have an oval shape and toothed edges. Deep veins give their upper face a folded look. In autumn, the leaves turn red, burgundy, or purple. The bark ranges from dark brown to dark gray. It can be thin and smooth, or show ridges. The broad shape gives the plant a strong presence in borders. Its leaf color adds interest after the spring flowers fade.

White flowers open in spring, with May listed by Missouri Botanical Garden. RHS places flowering in late spring and early summer. Species profiles describe more than one flower form. Some plants bear round heads of sterile flowers without scent. These flowers do not lead to fruit. Others bear flat heads with small flowers at the center. Larger sterile flowers surround those small flowers. Fertile plants can form fleshy, egg-shaped fruit after bloom. RHS reports that the berries turn red, then black.

Grow this shrub in sun or partial shade. It prefers moist loam and soil that drains well. It also grows in clay, sand, and chalk soils. RHS accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions. Missouri Botanical Garden reports good tolerance of dry spells. Water needs are moderate, and upkeep is low. Prune only when needed, soon after the flowers finish. Pruning then can reduce the crop of berries. Sources list USDA zones 5–8 and UK hardiness H6.

Gardeners use it for hedges, screens, borders, and single plants. Butterflies visit its flowers. Serious pest and disease trouble is not usual. Aphids, viburnum beetle, leaf spot, and several fungal diseases can occur. NC State warns of invasive spread in parts of the US. Food reports conflict: PFAF lists fruit and cooked young leaves. It gives them a low food rating. RHS warns people and pets not to eat the fruit.