Doublefile Viburnum

A Deer Resistant Show Stopper

I planted the doublefile Viburnum first and after it grew tall, we added this wonderful, multi -story birdhouse.

Doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum) is a true showstopper in the landscape. It is known for its springtime show, erupting in layers of flat, lacecap-like white flowers that line up along its horizontal branches. This graceful, tiered, tall growing shrub is glorious in May. And it is low maintenance and deer resistant too!

The flowers are layered atop the branches on a doublefile Viburnum (hence the name). TIP- This makes it a perfect shrub to look down upon - plant it anywhere that is lower than the viewing point.

In summer, the rich green, deeply veined leaves hold the shrub’s layered form beautifully. So when it is not in bloom it still has a strong structural presence. And then comes fall and the leaves turn to shades of wine-red and burgundy. In some varieties, bright red berries appear, attracting birds and adding a splash of color to the fall garden.

Red fall berries appear in place of the white flowers of spring. Plant red leaved coleus beneath to match the red in fall.

I love doublefile Viburnum for its layered branching habit, white flowers and red berries. I use it as a specimen shrub (you can prune it into a small tree) that draws attention and also as part of a seasonal screen in a mixed shrub border. It thrives in sun to part sun. USDA zones 5 to 8. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.

This shrub is a real eye catcher when it is in bloom in May.

Here are some varieties of Doublefile Viburnum:

‘Mariesii’

• Classic, widely loved variety; Large, white lacecap blooms in spring; Strong horizontal branching, very architectural; 8–10 feet tall and wide; Excellent fall color.

‘Shasta’

• Compact and broad – 6–8 feet tall but 10–12 feet wide; the most floriferous; Great for screening; Birds love its red berries in fall.

‘Summer Snowflake’

• Repeat bloomer! Flowers in spring and sporadically through summer; Upright habit, more narrow than others - 6–8 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide; Ideal for smaller gardens.

Please consider adding Doublefile Viburnum to your landscape.

I will be talking about more great shrubs and flowers in the coming weeks - garden fever has arrived and I am loving it.

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