Georama Growers Marie’s Double File Viburnum – Georamas Growers Plant of the Week
Common Name: Maries’s Doublefile Viburnum
Botanical Name: Viburnum plicatum tomentosum ‘Mariesii’
Taking a walk around lower Fairview in Nelson with Imelda last week, we truly enjoyed the many plants and shrubs showing off their fall colours. One such shrub we noticed was a nice example of Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ and if you have a bit of room, this viburnum is absolutly one of the best multi-season shrubs you can grow! At this time of the year, it’s dark green leaves change to a most beautiful shade of deep, firey red. In springtime it’s strong horizontal branches are smothered with flat sprays of pure white flowers, giving the impression of snow-laden branches. These flat topped, lacecap-like flower clusters appear in two rows or files, hence it’s name. Later in summer, clusters of red berries rest where the flowers once stood. During the late summer and early fall the berries turn black and make an excellent food source for many birds. This easy to grow viburnum loves full sun or even part shade, and prefers moist loamy soil, but will adapt to a wide range of soil conditions that we find here in the Kootenays. Do not let the soil dry out in the heat of summer as some leaf scorch will occur. Pruning to shape should be done immediately after blooming, and for smaller spaces consider removing the bottom branches to create a small multi stemmed tree. This viburnum is one of my favoruites, and will provide even the new gardener with a very easy to grow addition to the garden!
Comments are currently closed.