A wide, layered shrub grown for the horizontal tiers of branches that carry its flowers along their length.
'Mariesii' is the tiered Japanese viburnum rather than the evergreen laurustinus that makes up most of our viburnum range. The branches grow outwards in flat layers, one above another, and it is that structure people plant it for. It is deciduous, so it drops its leaves for the winter and gives no cover at all then, though the bare tiered framework is worth looking at on its own.
Plant it in most well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade, and give it room, because the layered habit only works if the branches are not crowded. Water it through its first season. Prune as little as you can get away with, since cutting into the tiers spoils the shape the plant is grown for. The berries are harmful if eaten.
Supplied as an established plant in a 3 litre pot, ready to plant out or pot on.
Cultural Information
Common Name: Japanese snowball, doublefile viburnum
Fully Grown Height and Spread: 1.2 to 3m tall and wide, depending on the variety
Growth Habit: Wide and layered, with tiers of horizontal branches
Perfect For: Specimen planting, mixed borders and wildlife gardens
Foliage: Deciduous, pleated green leaves that fall for the winter
Flowering Time: Late spring into summer, flat heads carried along the tiers
Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade
Soil Type: Most well-drained soils
Hardiness: Fully hardy across Britain
Maintenance: Low; prune as little as possible so the tiers are not spoiled
Seasonal Interest: Flowers in late spring and summer
Type: Deciduous shrub
