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A Showstopper in Every Garden

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and seasonal interest to your garden, the Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum) is a standout choice. With its tiered, horizontal branching and profuse white spring blooms, this deciduous shrub offers year-round beauty and structure. Here’s everything you need to know to successfully grow and care for this stunning ornamental shrub.

🌿 Plant Profile

• Height: 6 to 12 feet
• Width: 8 to 15 feet
• Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 5–8
• Growth Rate: Moderate

The Doublefile Viburnum grows in a naturally layered, horizontal form, which gives it a graceful, sculptural appearance. In spring, it’s covered in flat clusters of pure white flowers, which resemble those of lacecap hydrangeas. Come summer, the dark green, serrated foliage fills out fully, turning a deep burgundy to reddish-purple in fall. Clusters of red berries mature to black in late summer, attracting birds and wildlife.

☀️ Sun and Water Requirements

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. For best flowering, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
• Watering: Moderate. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first growing season. Once established, it’s moderately drought-tolerant but still appreciates consistent watering during dry spells.

🌱 Growing Instructions

1. Soil: Prefers well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates a range of soil types but doesn’t like wet or poorly drained areas.
2. Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Backfill with a mixture of native soil and compost.
3. Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

✂️ Pruning

Minimal pruning is needed thanks to its naturally elegant form. However, if you want to shape it or remove dead/damaged branches:

• Timing: Prune after flowering in late spring or early summer.
• Method: Remove crossing branches and thin the center if needed for airflow. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can affect next year’s bloom.

🌸 Fertilization

• When: Early spring, just before new growth begins.
• What to Use: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) or a fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs.
• How: Apply according to the package instructions, and water thoroughly after feeding.

💡 Garden Tips

• Use it as a specimen plant or part of a shrub border.
• Its horizontal form pairs beautifully with upright conifers or grasses.
• Great choice for wildlife gardens—pollinators love the flowers, and birds enjoy the berries.

Final Thoughts

The Doublefile Viburnum is a low-maintenance, high-impact shrub that provides interest in every season. From its showy spring blooms to its rich fall color and bird-friendly berries, it’s a garden performer that delivers beauty with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this viburnum is a must-have for any landscape.