Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Summer Snowflake'

Japanese snowball bush

Eventual height & spread

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Summer Snowflake'

Japanese snowball bush

  • RHS Award of Garden Merit
  • 3 litre pot
  • £32.99
  • In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.99
  • Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: average
  • Flowering period: May to September
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


This delightful, deciduous shrub with horizontally tiered branches is an excellent specimen plant for a moist, well-drained, sunny border. Longer flowering than other forms of Japanese snowball bush 'Summer Snowflake' produces showy, white, lacecap-like flowers from late-spring until the first frosts and dark green leaves with prominent veining, turning red-purple in autumn.


  • Garden care:
    Plant cultivated varieties of Viburnum plicatum in sun or light shade with moist, well-drained, fertile soil, adding some garden compost at planting to help with soil structure and fertility. Water regularly through the first year and during dry spells so the roots establish well.

    Give it a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch each spring to hold in moisture and keep the soil in good condition. Pruning is minimal when young, and once it has formed its tiered shape, remove any vertical or awkward shoots after flowering to keep the layers neat. Trim out any damaged or crossing branches when needed and keep the area around the base weed-free so the plant can grow evenly.
    • CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant