Viburnum plicatum Mariesii

The Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' is undoubtedly the Chinese snowball bush with the most beautiful tiered structure and a very pronounced broad and low growing habit. This deciduous bush of medium stature, favoured by nature, also offers magnificent white spring flowering, arranged in flat corymbs on the branches and dazzling autumn colours. This viburnum, resembling hydrangeas, surpasses them in flowering and prefers sunny exposures. It will thrive in the same soil as your hydrangeas: a moist soil low in limestone.

The Viburnum plicatum is a deciduous bush belonging to the Adoxaceae family (formerly classified in the Caprifoliaceae family), native to China and Japan. 'Mariesii' is an old horticultural creation that stands out mainly for its accentuated tiered habit and less significant growth. With its horizontal branches, the plant has a characteristic tiered habit, its structured and light silhouette making it attractive all year round, even in winter. It will reach a height of approximately 2 m (6 to 7 ft) with a spread of 3 m (9 to 10 ft) at maturity, with a relatively slow growth. Flowering occurs in May and continues until June. The plant's branches bear flat clusters of flowers that measure 10 to 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter. The peripheral crown of these clusters consists of well-developed sterile flowers with elliptical white petals surrounding small fertile flowers that look like beige buds and turn white-green. Once pollinated, the fertile flowers form small red and black berries gathered in generous clusters. The deciduous leaves of the plant are ovate, tapering, strongly veined, and regularly dentate along the edges. They look like hazel leaves and measure 5 to 8 cm (3.1 in) in length. Their colour is relatively dark and satin-like green on the upper surface, while the underside is downy. The foliage takes on sumptuous autumn colours, ranging from yellow to dark burgundy red and violet. 

This Viburnum 'Mariesii' is a stunning bush that deserves a prominent place in any small garden or mixed border. Its summer and autumn flowering, stunning fruiting, and striking foliage are all worth showcasing without any competition. The bush has stylized branches that create a Japanese look in winter, which makes it even more appealing. It can be planted alongside a black lace elderberry, a sacred bamboo, the glorybower tree (Clerodendrum trichotomum), or a Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea' whose purple foliage will enhance its pink flower heads and red fruits. Additionally, it can be planted with compact photinias, elaeagnus, camellias, pieris, or hydrangeas. The choice is vast, but it should be planted in a soil that does not contain limestone. Because of its beautiful presence in winter, it can also be used as a focal point in a small garden or at the centre of a border with low perennials and grasses.