Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum
Viburnum plicatum var tomentosum 'Summer Snowflake'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
72 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Japan, China
Toxicity
Berries mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum, or Doublefile Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub known for its distinctive horizontal branching and flat-topped clusters of lacecap flowers that create a layered, 'wedding cake' effect. 'Summer Snowflake' is a more compact cultivar that is a prolific repeat bloomer, producing flowers intermittently from late spring through to fall. It also develops attractive red fruit which ages to black.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with at least 4-6 hours of sun
- Amend soil with compost for moisture retention and fertility
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the container
- Set the plant at the same depth it was in the pot
- Backfill, water thoroughly to settle the soil
- Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
Pro Tip
Site where its beautiful horizontal branching structure can be appreciated, even in winter against a dark background.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially in the first year
- Prune immediately after the main spring flush of flowers
- Plant another V. plicatum var. tomentosum cultivar nearby for best fruit set
Don't
- Don't prune in late summer or fall, as this will remove next year's flower buds
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely during hot spells
- Don't plant in heavy shade, which reduces flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum questions
What zones can Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum grow in?
Summer Snowflake 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 Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum deer resistant?
Yes — Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum bloom?
Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum typically blooms in late spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum need full sun?
Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Viburnum to compare
Nannyberry
Viburnum lentago
Snowball Viburnum
Viburnum opulus 'Sterile'
Autumn Jazz Arrowwood
Viburnum dentatum 'Autumn Jazz'
Korean spice viburnum
Viburnum carlesii
Mariesii Japanese Snowball
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii'
Blue Muffin Viburnum
Viburnum dentatum 'Christom'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Summer Snowflake Doublefile Viburnum with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
