How to Grow Viburnum Plicatum Tomentosum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Viburnum plicatum tomentosum is a beautiful shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has medium-sized, glossy green leaves and clusters of white flowers that bloom in the summer. The berries that follow are black and have a very strong flavor. This plant is native to China and Japan, and it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

How to Grow Viburnum Plicatum Tomentosum - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • V. plicatum
  • V. tomentosum
  • True snowball bush
  • Mountain snowball
  • Guelder rose

Common Knowledge

  • Viburnum plicatum tomentosum is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae.
  • It is native to China and Korea.
  • It is a deciduous shrub growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall and wide.
  • The leaves are opposite, simple, 6–12 cm (2–4 in) long and 3–7 cm (1–3 in) broad, with a toothed margin.
  • The flowers are white, borne in corymbs 5–8 cm (2–3 in) diameter in late spring.
  • The fruit is a dark blue drupe 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) diameter, ripening in late summer to early autumn.
  • The shrub is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions for its flowers and fruit.
  • A number of cultivars have been selected, including 'Mariesii' with double flowers and 'Watanabei' with pink flowers.
  • The shrub is also used as a bonsai subject.
  • It is susceptible to a number of diseases including powdery mildew and leaf spot.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

Planting Process

  1. For viburnum plicatum tomentosum, first step is to choose a location that has full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure before planting.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the pot and just as deep.
  4. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil and water deeply.
  6. Add a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  7. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
  8. Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  9. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead wood.
  10. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of viburnum plicatum tomentosum in the spring and summer!

Related plant:
Fragrant Viburnum

The Soil

About soil condition, (viburnum plicatum tomentosum) prefers rich and humus soils, and it is important that the soil is well drained. It can tolerate a range of soil pH, but it is best in neutral to slightly acidic soils. If the soil is too alkaline, it may cause the leaves to turn yellow.

Light requirement

Similar to other viburnum plants, the viburnum plicatum tomentosum requires a fair amount of sun to prosper. This shrub can tolerate partial sun but will produce the best flowers and foliage in full sun. Morning sun and afternoon shade is the ideal sun exposure for this plant. It is important to note that this plant is not tolerant of hot, dry conditions and will need to be well-watered in direct sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the Viburnum plicatum tomentosum plant is one that is warm and humid. This plant typically grows best in an environment that has temperatures that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the plant can also tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The Viburnum plicatum tomentosum plant typically does not do well in environments that are either too cold or too hot.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The plant can tolerate a range of different humidity conditions, but it prefers 50% and above. If the humidity level drops below 50%, the plant may start to experience some stress.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant food is important to the health of the viburnum plicatum tomentosum. Fertilizer provides the nutrients necessary for the plant to create new growth and maintain its current health. When applied correctly, fertilizer can give your plant a boost, helping it to grow more vigorously and produce more flowers. However, too much fertilizer can actually harm your plant, so it’s important to follow the directions on the packaging and only apply as much as recommended. The roots of the viburnum plicatum tomentosum are important for the absorption of water and nutrients from the soil. The roots also anchor the plant in the ground, keeping it stable. When the roots are healthy, the plant is more likely to be healthy overall. You can help to keep the roots healthy by making sure they have plenty of space to grow and by not disturbing them when you’re working in the garden.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your viburnum plicatum tomentosum healthy and looking its best. You should prune away any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant, or to encourage new growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of viburnum plicatum tomentosum can be done by seed, softwood or semi-ripe cuttings, or layering. Seed should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Layering can be done in late summer or early fall.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate in average conditions is between 24 and 36 inches (60 and 90 cm) per year. Given the right conditions, some plants have been known to grow up to 48 inches (120 cm) in a single year. The growth rate of viburnum plicatum tomentosum is highly dependent on the level of care it receives.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and Japanese beetle. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. Leaf spot is brown or black spots on the leaves. Japanese beetle is a greenish-black beetle that feeds on the leaves and flowers of the plant.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. Water it deeply and evenly, about 1 inch per week.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  • Fertilize your plant twice a year, in the spring and fall, with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
  • Place your plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Plant your viburnum in well-drained soil.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
  • Cut back the plant after it blooms to promote new growth.
  • Enjoy the beautiful flowers and foliage of your healthy plant!

Alternative Plants

  • Thuja plicata
  • Thuja occidentalis
  • Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'
  • Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens'
  • Thuja plicata 'Green Giant'
  • Thuja plicata 'Jantar'
  • Thuja plicata 'Nana'
  • Thuja plicata 'Pyramidalis'
  • Thuja plicata 'Radiant'
  • Thuja plicata 'Smaragd'

Source:
Japanese Snowball - Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Summer …
Viburnum plicatum tomentosum - Ohio State University
Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum - UDBG

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category