Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum

This deciduous shrub won't thrive everywhere, but given the right location, doublefile viburnum is a landscape standout.

In late spring, Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum produces masses of white flowers along horizontal branches. The resulting display can be absolutely outstanding, with the blossoms seemingly floating on air above the foliage. Pink-flowering varieties are also available.

In summer, masses of ornamental fruits emerge. The red drupes ripen to black and are favored by birds. In fall, dark-green leaves change to nice reddish purple -- yet another exceptional ornamental characteristic of the plant.

Doublefile's only downfall is that it requires moist, well-drained soils and suffers in clay and areas subject to drought. It will also display leaf yellowing in regions with hot summers, so it's not the best plant for the South.

But in most areas in the Midwest and Northeast it will perform extremely well, and it's hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5.

Easy to propagate

Doublefile is easy to grow and there are many good varieties. It "roots like a weed," said Joe Kiefer, owner of Triple Oaks Nursery & Herb Garden, a garden center/grower/mail-order facility in Franklinville, N.J.

He propagates cultivars when he can't purchase them elsewhere and has great success rooting softwood cuttings. He uses a low rate of rooting hormone and wounds the cuttings.

Selections

Here are some of Kiefer's best sellers.

'Shasta.' Introduced by U.S. National Arboretum in 1979. A previous Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal winner, it produces large, pure-white flowers, is a good fruit producer and has dependable good fall color. It grows about 6 feet high and 10-12 feet wide. It probably has the most name recognition among consumers.

'Mariesii.' An older selection, made in the 1800s. Flowers are produced well above the foliage, making them highly visible. It can reach 10 feet high with age.

'Shoshoni.' A seedling of 'Shasta,' and similar but more diminutive in size. It reaches just 5 feet high and 8 feet wide.

'Summer Snowflake.' A compact selection, typically reaching just 4-6 feet high. It also has a long blooming period.

'Igloo.' A wide-spreading plant (6 feet high and 12 feet wide) with flat, 4- to 5-inch flowers.

- Todd Davis

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Specifics

Name: Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum

Common name: Doublefile viburnum.

Family: Caprifoliaceae.

Origin: China and Japan.

Description: Deciduous shrub that produces masses of white (sometimes pink) spring flowers. It typically grows 8-10 feet high and usually has a horizontal, spreading habit. Summer fruits are ornamental (red, changing to black) and are favored by birds. Fall color is an excellent reddish purple.

Culture: Will grow in full sun and partial shade. Requires moist, well-drained soils and suffers in areas subject to drought and excessive summer heat.

Landscape uses: Specimens, shrub borders, informal hedges and short screens.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zone 5.

Propagation: Easy from cuttings.

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For more: Triple Oaks Nursery & Herb Garden, 2359 Delsea Drive, Franklinville, NJ 08322; (856) 694-4272; www.tripleoaks.com.