Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’

or wedding cake plant; Japanese snowball ‘Mariesii’

I can think of no other plant that might better mark an anniversary than this beautiful Viburnum which is often referred to as the wedding cake plant. Okay, no nuptials in the pipeline here but being a small part of The3Growbags blog for 10 years is a cause for celebration.

This is a splendid and distinctive, large, deciduous shrub whose wide, spreading branches are held horizontally in tiers, which is how it has earned its common name. In late spring, it is smothered in large heads of snow-white ‘lacecap’ flowers. Without doubt, the architectural form of this viburnum is its raison d’etre; it cries out to be grown as a specimen in grass, or solitary perhaps, in a Japanese style garden, and not to be thrown into the mix of a border where it would be lost. It stands out from a distance and therefore makes an excellent focal point.

Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ is hardy, quick to establish, and can easily attain two metres in height, more after ten years or so. Sun is recommended but our own specimen appears very happy growing in part shade. As autumn approaches, the leaves turn a rich mix of burgundy reds and purples, and these are followed by reddish black fruits which are a valuable food source for birds.

Thank you Elaine, Laura and Caroline – laughter is second only to gardening!

You can buy this plant here.

NB Louise has published a beautifully produced book of her plant profiles – A Plant for Each Week of the Year. It costs £9.99 and is for sale in our online shop here.

More NB If you’re not already a subscriber and you’d like a bit more gardening chitchat from the3growbags, please type your email address here and we’ll send you a new post every Saturday morning.

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human: