Overview

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Viburnum, part of the Viburnaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.

About

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' (Japanese snowball 'Popcorn') is a bushy deciduous shrub growing to between 1.5 and 2.5 metres in height and spread. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. This low-maintenance cultivar is suitable for both exposed and sheltered locations and offers seasonal interest in spring, autumn, and winter. It typically reaches full height within 5 to 10 years.

About the genus

Viburnum is a genus of about 150–175 species of flowering plants in the family Viburnaceae. Its current classification is based on molecular phylogeny. It was previously included in the family Caprifoliaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Viburnum", CC BY-SA 4.0Viburnum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Viburnum

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn'

Propagation
Softwood cuttings in summer, Semi-ripe cuttings from midsummer to autumn, Hardwood cuttings in winter, Layering in spring, Grafting in late summer
Pest resistance
Aphids, Viburnum beetle
Disease resistance
Phytophthora, Honey fungus, Grey moulds, Leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn'?

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' need?

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

How big does Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' grow?

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.

Is Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' hardy in the UK?

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Popcorn'?

Softwood cuttings in summer, Semi-ripe cuttings from midsummer to autumn, Hardwood cuttings in winter, Layering in spring, Grafting in late summer.

More in the Viburnum genus

Browse all Viburnum

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