A Viburnum that puts on a show for much of the year Viburnum plicatum ‘Summer Snowflake’ is a spring flowering deciduous shrub.
Large lacecap type flowers cover the tiered branched in clusters in spring, however this is one Viburnum variety that will repeat flower.
In summer, if given enough water Viburnum plicatum ‘Summer Snowflake’ will put on a second show of flowers and this can last until the end of the season when the autumn tones begin to take over from the flowers.
To help ensure you get this second flush of flowers mulch deeply around the plant right out to the drip line, keeping the mulch away from the trunk itself. By providing the cool moist root run you give the plant the conditions it need to re-flower.
After the flowers finish, small red berries appear, quickly turning to black, birds love these so we have another benefit.
The foliage will turn purple to red colour before winter when the plant loses its leaves.
Care and Growing Conditions
- Choose a position in part shade, the hotter the climate the more shade will be needed.
- Make sure that soil is humus rich by adding some compost, leaf cold and well rotted cow manure before planting.
- Water in well and mulch around the plant. Use a deep mulch around 25cm (10 inches) thick.
- Once established the mulch will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs.
Pruning Viburnum plicatum ‘Summer Snowflake’
We think that this is plant best left unpruned. Plant it in an open position where its natural growth habit can be appreciated.
If you must prune this shrub, then do this directly after flowering.