Viburnum Plicatum Mariesii Great Star Japanese Snowball

A spectacular flowering shrub from the viburnum plicatum family, Viburnum plicatum Mariesii Great Star (also known as Japanese Snowball Mareisii Great Star) stands out for its extraordinary star-shaped blooms. Unlike the similarly named Viburnum plicatum f tomentosum Mariesii, which bears flat lacecap flowers, this Great Star variety produces elegant, large, open white florets that resemble individual stars scattered along its tiered horizontal branches. A real showstopper in spring and early summer.

The Viburnum family is a large and varied genes. Viburnum Plicatum is a much-loved deciduous species native to East Asia, especially Japan and China. Known for its distinctive layered or tiered branching structure, it adds strong architectural form to the garden. Most varieties flower in late spring and feature white or cream blooms in lacecap or snowball form, followed by red fruits that ripen to black. Autumn colour is often vibrant, with rich shades of burgundy and wine-red. Viburnum Plicatum varieties differ significantly from evergreen viburnums such as Viburnum tinus, offering a more sculptural, seasonal display and a slower growth rate.

Viburnum plicatum Mariesii Great Star forms a spreading, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with gracefully tiered branches. Its fresh green leaves are oval with prominent veining and serrated edges, turning a striking reddish-purple in autumn. What sets this cultivar apart is its extraordinary flower display: in late spring, the branches are lined with large, pure white, star-like florets arranged in a horizontal fashion. The flowers are highly decorative and longer-lasting than those of many other Plicatum varieties.

Height & Width

Reaches approximately 1.5 to 2 metres tall and up to 2.5 metres wide over 8 to 10 years. It has a broad, tiered habit and requires space to display its full form.

Hardiness

Fully hardy in the UK and across much of Europe, tolerating temperatures down to -20 °C. Performs reliably in exposed or sheltered gardens.

Uses in Garden & Landscape

Japanese Snowball Mareisii Great Star is ideal for woodland gardens, informal borders, or as a striking specimen in a lawn or courtyard. Its architectural shape and vivid spring display suit naturalistic or Japanese-style planting schemes. More dramatic than Viburnum tinus, and more unusual than many other viburnum plicatum types, it brings a refined elegance wherever it is planted.

Care Tips

Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. It benefits from protection from strong winds, which can damage young flower buds. Little pruning is needed – simply remove dead or crossing branches after flowering to preserve its natural shape. A yearly mulch of compost or leaf mould will help retain moisture and support flowering.