Viburnum plicatum aka Japanese Snowball

Taxonomy

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

How to care for Japanese Snowball

Difficulty

Japanese Snowball is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Japanese Snowball should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Japanese Snowball prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

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.

Toxicity

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.

Fertilizer

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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Japanese Snowball’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia