Viburnum plicatum 'First Editions Opening Day Doublefile'

Species

Viburnum plicatumJapanese Snowball Viburnum

3 other cultivars

shrub

Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum

Viburnum plicatum 'First Editions Opening Day Doublefile'

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum, the doublefile viburnum, is a deciduous shrub prized for its distinctive, tiered horizontal branching and profuse spring flowers. It offers multi-season interest with attractive foliage, flowers, fruit, and fall color.

'Opening Day' is a compact form with perfectly round, snowball-like flower clusters that emerge lime green and mature to a pristine white. Its tight, dense habit makes it a smaller, more manageable version of the classic snowball bush.

Uses & Benefits:

A true showstopper in the spring landscape, 'Opening Day' is covered in large, snowball-like blooms. Its compact, rounded form and attractive, pleated green foliage provide structure all summer, followed by a beautiful reddish-purple fall color.

Its dense, multi-stemmed habit makes it an excellent choice for a spectacular flowering hedge or privacy screen. The flowers are sterile, so there is no messy fruit drop to clean up.

While the sterile flowers do not produce fruit for birds, they are still attractive to various pollinators when in bloom. The dense branching provides cover and potential nesting sites for small birds.

SpeciesViburnum plicatumJapanese Snowball Viburnum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Average

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Amend soil with compost to improve structure and fertility.
Gently tease out circling roots before placing in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location where its beautiful horizontal branching structure can be appreciated, and avoid pruning heavily to preserve its natural form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during the first year and in dry periods.
Prune right after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds.
Mulch annually with compost or shredded bark.
Allow it space to grow into its natural, graceful shape.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soil.
Avoid late-season pruning, as it will remove flower buds for the following spring.
Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Refrain from planting in deep shade, which will reduce flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning standalone specimen shrubElegant flowering hedge or screenAnchor for mixed perennial borders

Companion Plants

Hydrangea macrophylla Hosta 'Sum and Substance'Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Astilbe 'Fanal'Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum questions

What zones can Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum grow in?

Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum deer resistant?

Yes — Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum bloom?

Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum need full sun?

Opening Day Doublefile Viburnum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.