Viburnum plicatum Lanarth

Viburnum plicatum 'Lanarth' is a sculptural bush with a spreading habit, as tall as it is wide. It boasts a pure white flowering, in the nival zone.

This deciduous Japanese Snowball tree bears 10cm (4in) long, tapered, deeply veined leaves on horizontal branches. The foliage is dark green before turning brown in autumn. In May, numerous corymbs of 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter develop at the end of the stems, but do not produce fruit.

'Lanarth' has a slow growth rate; it can reach 3m (10ft) in height and width. It thrives in all rich, moist but well-drained soils, in sunny or semi-shady locations. Pruning consists of removing dead wood and some old branches every 3 years after flowering.

Viburnum plicatum 'Lanarth' elegantly accompanies camellias, rhododendrons, Japanese maples, etc., in acidic soils.

Tip: To stimulate flowering, enrich the soil with potash fertiliser in late winter.