How to Grow Viburnum Plicatum Summer Snowflake - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Viburnum plicatum summer snowflake is a beautiful plant that produces white flowers in the summer. This plant is native to China and Japan and has been introduced to North America. This plant prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of full sun to partial shade.

How to Grow Viburnum Plicatum Summer Snowflake - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

viburnum plicatum 'Summer Snowflake'
Japanese snowball bush
Wedding Cake Tree
Snowball Tree
China Ball Tree

Things to Know

Viburnum plicatum 'Summer Snowflake' is a deciduous shrub.
It is noted for its prominent, pure white, flat-topped flowers which appear in late spring.
Each flower cluster can contain up to 50 individual flowers.
The flowers are followed by dark blue-black berries which are attractive to birds.
The deeply veined, dark green leaves turn burgundy in the fall.
'Summer Snowflake' grows best in full sun to partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils.
It is relatively slow-growing, but can reach a height of 8-10 feet and a spread of 6-8 feet over time.
This shrub is deer resistant and tolerant of Black Walnut trees (Juglans nigra).
The cultivar 'Mariesii' is a similar plant which has pink flowers.
Viburnum plicatum is native to Japan and Korea.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

How to Grow

For viburnum plicatum summer snowflake, first step is to find the right location. This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
The second step is to prepare the planting area. This means removing all weeds and grasses from the area and loosening the soil.
The third step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plants root ball.
The fourth step is to place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
The fifth step is to water the plant deeply and thoroughly.
The sixth step is to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
The seventh step is to fertilize the plant according to the manufacturers directions.
The eighth step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
The ninth step is to monitor the plant for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
The tenth and final step is to enjoy your beautiful viburnum plicatum summer snowflake plant!

Related plant:
Eastern Snowball Viburnum

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Summer Snowflake prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to avoid overly wet or soggy conditions, as this can lead to root rot. The best time to plant is in the spring or fall.

About light

So, like the other viburnums, the Viburnum plicatum summer snowflake prefers full sun to partial shade. The more sun it gets, the more flowers it will produce. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant and is quite drought-tolerant once it is established.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for viburnum plicatum summer snowflake is moderate. It does best in temperatures that are not too hot or too cold. This plant can tolerate some sun, but it prefers shady areas.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the plant may experience some leaf drop. However, if the humidity is too high, the plant may experience some fungal issues.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need much. You can use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. As for the roots, they like to be kept moist but not wet. Be sure to water deeply and then let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.

Plant Pruning

Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. Viburnum plicatum 'Summer Snowflake' is a large deciduous shrub that can be pruned into a small tree. It has branching that is dense and horizontal. The leaves are dark green and the flowers are white.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for the viburnum plicatum summer snowflake is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Once cut, the bottom 2 inches of the stem should be removed and the remaining stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-drained potting mix and placed in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and in 4-6 weeks the cutting should have rooted and can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 24 and 36 inches per year. This plant can live up to 15 years. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall. The leaves are ovate to oblong and are 2-4 inches long. The flowers are white and appear in June. The fruit is a red drupe that appears in September.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are stem canker, dieback, and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant. If the plant is not properly cared for, it may die.

Growing Tips

If you want to grow a healthy and vibrant plant, make sure to plant it in an area that receives full sun exposure.
Prepare the soil before planting by loosening it up and adding some organic matter.
When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plants root ball.
Water the plant regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Avoid pruning the plant during its first year of growth.
After the first year, you can prune the plant to shape it as desired.
Protect the plant from strong winds by staking it or planting it in a sheltered location.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them accordingly.
Enjoy the beautiful flowers that this