Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum ‘Popcorn’

I planted a specimen of this shrub over 20 years ago and have been nothing but amazed every year by its ornamental characteristics and extended toughness out in the landscape.

This selection was introduced in 1994 and was a chance seedling noted by renowned plant breeder, David Leach. Native to China and Japan, ‘Popcorn’ Japanese snowball steals the flower show in spring (April-May) with 3-inch diameter, rounded flower clusters in pure white. These mostly sterile, snowball-like inflorescences are stunning as they line the strongly ascending branches and will also appeal to butterflies. Fruiting is extremely rare and I’ve not observed this on my specimen personally over these two decades. The flowers are also excellent in cut arrangements with a very long vase life. The variety ‘Popcorn’ is more compact, earlier flowering and more prolifically blooming than most of its counterparts. Any pruning of this selection should be done immediately after flowering.

The thick, deeply veined foliage is a nice dark green throughout the growing season but transitions to an amazing reddish maroon in later fall. Reaching a height and width of around 8 feet in time (10 years or so), this viburnum can tolerate both full sun and part shade although flowering and fall color are maximized in full sun situations. Younger specimens are more upright but gain width with age. Thriving in a wide range of well-drained soils, this viburnum is also tolerant of urban pollution and city environments. Once established, the heat and drought tolerance of this variety is notable and impressive. ‘Popcorn’ Japanese snowball has no serious insect or disease problems and is also resistant to the viburnum beetle. Deer and rabbits don’t seem to be overly interested in nibbling on this selection either.

Why Grow Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum ‘Popcorn’?

• Amazing spring flower display
• Rich, reddish-maroon fall color
• Attracts butterflies
• Heat, drought and pollution tolerant: tough!
• Won an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (UK)

Mark Dwyer is currently the Garden Manager for the Edgerton (WI) Hospital Healing Garden after 21 years as Director of Horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens (Janesville, WI). He also operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD, a landscape design and consultation business. mcdwyer@zoho.com