Japanese snowball - Viburnum plicatum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Japanese snowball

Also known as: Doublefile viburnum

Japanese snowball is a popular deciduous ornamental shrub that can grow up to heights of 3 m tall. The japanese snowball blooms in the spring with clumps of white flowers that resemble snowballs and provides attractive foliage throughout the summer and fall.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese snowball (Viburnum plicatum)

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m to 3 m

Plant Height

1.2 m to 2 m

Spread

Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Japanese snowball

Distribution of Japanese snowball

Distribution Map

Japanese snowball is native to eastern China and Japan. Its native habitat includes mountainous regions, forests, and thickets. Japanese snowball has been introduced to the northeastern United States and Oregon as an ornamental, but has been listed as invasive in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Thickets in mountains

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Japanese snowball is a popular flowering bush often seen in front and side yard landscaping, or as the focal piece in a large garden. The bush is prized for its hanging clusters of white flowers that also cover the ground as the petals drop, along with its thick green foliage. Red salvias contrast beautifully with the white flowers when they are planted together.

Symbolism

Innocence, purity, and calmness

Interesting Facts

The botanical name of japanese snowball was derived from the look of its textured leaves. The specific epithet 'plicatum' means 'pleated' or 'folded' and it perfectly describes the texture of the strongly-veined leaves of japanese snowball.

Name Story

Japanese snowball||Japanese snowball bush: Some of the more popular cultivated variety is selected by their large flowers with little to no fertile flowers. The flowerheads seem to resemble a snowball. Since it is originated from Japan, this gives the plant the common name of Japanese snowball bush or Japanese snowball.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Japanese snowball, including the following common varieties :

Japanese snowball 'Pink Beauty'Japanese snowball 'Mariesii'Japanese snowball 'Shasta'Japanese snowball 'Jww5'Japanese snowball 'Rowallane'Japanese snowball 'Popcorn'Japanese snowball 'Mariesii'Japanese snowball 'Jww1'Japanese snowball 'Grandiflorum'Japanese snowball 'Pink Beauty'Japanese snowball 'Summer Snowflake'

Toxicity

The japanese snowball berries are mildly toxic, causing nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting if ingested. High levels of polyphenols and glycosides are responsible. Keep these berries away from children and cognitively impaired individuals.

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Quickly Identify Japanese snowball

Pleated dark green leaves give a textured appearance, measuring 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) in length.

Flowers form white corymbs, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, with flat-topped, lace-like arrangement.

Egg-shaped red fruit cluster in drupes, each around 0.33 inches (8 mm) in diameter.

Multi-stemmed, sturdy stems are thick, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in diameter, creating tiered branching.

Distinctively pleated trunk bark, smooth yet firm, varies in color, reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) diameter.

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Care Guide for Japanese snowball

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Japanese snowball thrives in moderate climates and is drought-tolerant, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks to maintain consistent soil moisture. Preferable for outdoor growth, it flourishes in well-draining soil, particularly during its active growing season for optimal health and ornamental value.

Fertilize: To ensure optimal health, fertilize japanese snowball in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula. Apply monthly during growing seasons, stopping in fall to prevent frost damage. Avoid over-fertilization; adjust quantity based on size and soil. No feeding during dormancy, and water before/after fertilizing.

Pruning: Japanese snowball features tiered branching and white blooms, benefiting from early spring pruning. Remove dead or crossing branches and rejuvenate by cutting back a third of older stems. This promotes flowering and overall health. Consult reliable sources for specific pruning techniques and timing for japanese snowball.

Propagation: Japanese snowball features attractive rounded blooms and layered branches. Propagate japanese snowball using softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cut a 4-6 inch section, remove lower leaves, use rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining mix with consistent moisture and warmth, ideally under a protective cover.

Repotting: Repot japanese snowball in early spring or after blooming in late spring, every 2-3 years. Use a larger container with good drainage. After repotting, place japanese snowball in partial shade and maintain moist soil for optimal recovery and growth.

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Images of Japanese snowball

Distribution of Japanese snowball

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Japanese snowball

Care Guide for Japanese snowball

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