Doublefile Viburnum

A few weeks ago I bought a doublefile viburnum from Wal-Mart. I didn't know exactly what it was when I bought it, but it was cheap. After I got it home I looked it up and found out they have been invasive in some areas. However, I also read that they are self incompatible and must have another plant to produce seed. I only have one plant and dont know of any others nearby, should I keep it or ditch it while it's small? I don't need anymore Asian offsprings around here.

Keep it. This is without a doubt my favorite shrub in shrubdom. It looks very much like a shrub dogwood, except prettier in bloom, if at all possible. The horizontal habit on some of the National Arboretum cultivars is also quite appealing when not in bloom. They are not invasive at all. Just make certain that you plant it in high, moist shade. They wilt at the drop of a hat in your location with burnt, frazzled leaves by August.

Did it say what cultivar it is on the label?

This message was edited Mar 15, 2006 9:28 AM

No, it just said 'doublefile viburnum'. It was one of those bag deals with the metal twist tie. I think it cost about $3.50. I planted it under a large old pecan tree, so after the tree gets leafed out it should have plenty of shade.

I wouldn't ditch it yet. That's one heck of a beautiful Viburnum. WalMart and Home Depot are selling them up here listed as Japanese Snowballs I think but if you read the label it says Viburnum tomentosum which is V. plicatum. They've naturalized in a few states but I don't know that they have been formally identified as being invasive as V. lantana has.

Yes, that's what it is. I saw a 3gal size one at a local nursery that was referred to as Japanese snowball. It was about $15 . I guess my $3.50 was well spent.

I agree with Copperbaron. I have several Viburnums, and the doublefile, aka Japanese snowball, is my favorite. Mine have berries every year but I have never seen a seedling. If I did , it would be most welcome.

The "snowball" form is sterile (and gaudy, IMHO); the species "lacecap" type (tomentosum, and cultivars of that) is much more dignified but might reproduce. Still, I've not seen it spread from cultivation. I lost my beautiful specimen to the 1988 drought. If it had survived that, it probably would have died in the 2005 drought.

Where the heck is Vacuous Vegetable?

Guy S.

Virburnum plicatum var. tomentosum 'Shasta'

My V. tomentosum

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL635/2413050/6480927/83350408.jpg

http://pic16.picturetrail.com/VOL635/2413050/6480927/83350709.jpg

I do not know the variety. It was only sold as Japanese snowball, but of course as soon as it bloomed I knew it was not a "snowball" !

I agree - I have a love affair with this plant!!!! It is widely used in commercial landscapes, as well as roadside plantings. It is so stately looking!

I haven't heard of this one being invasive either. I suppose any heavily fruiting Viburnum could potentially spread into surrounding areas--just the nature of the beast. Viburnum opulus has completely invaded the woods around here. V. plicatum (tomentosum) is one of my favorite groups. You can't beat it for flowering and overall structure, along with great fall color and fruit in certain types. I am trying to gather up all the cultivars possible(knowing full well that extreme cold may come along and kill them all to the ground).

Ah ha! I do not have Viburnum opulus naturalizing here. This is good.