Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’ – A Stunning Tiered-Branching Shrub
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’, commonly known as Doublefile Viburnum ‘Mariesii’, is an ornamental deciduous shrub prized for its layered, horizontal branching, elegant lacecap flowers, and striking autumn foliage. With year-round interest, this shrub makes an excellent feature plant in Melbourne gardens, blending beauty with wildlife benefits.
🌸 Key Features
🔹 Growth Habit: Forms a graceful, spreading shape with distinct tiered branches, reaching up to 3–3.6 meters in height and 3.6–4.5 meters in width.
🔹 Flowering: In late spring, produces flat-topped clusters (10–15 cm wide) of white lacecap flowers, with a showy outer ring of sterile florets surrounding smaller fertile blooms.
🔹 Foliage: Deep green, ovate leaves with a prominent veined texture, turning vibrant reddish-purple in autumn.
🔹 Berries & Wildlife Benefits: Following flowering, red berries appear, ripening to black, providing a valuable food source for birds in late summer and autumn.
🔹 Seasonal Interest: Offers multi-season beauty—spring flowers, summer greenery, autumn color, and winter structure.
🌞 Growing & Care Guide
✅ Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade, with the best flowering in sunny locations.
✅ Soil: Thrives in moist, well-draining soils, including loamy, sandy, and clay-based soil types.
✅ Watering: Requires regular watering during establishment, then adapts to moderate moisture levels.
✅ Pruning: Minimal pruning needed—light shaping after flowering if required.
✅ Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote strong growth and blooms.
✅ Hardiness: Tolerates frost and cold winters, making it well-suited to Melbourne’s climate.
🌿 Best Uses in Landscaping
🌿 Feature Plant: The elegant layered growth makes it a stunning focal point in any garden.
🌿 Shrub Borders & Mixed Plantings: Pairs beautifully with other flowering shrubs and perennials.
🌿 Wildlife-Friendly Gardens: Attracts pollinators in spring and provides berries for birds in autumn.
🌿 Foundation Planting: Adds structure and visual appeal near homes and pathways.
🌼 Why Choose Viburnum ‘Mariesii’ for Your Garden?
✔ Unique, Layered Growth Habit – The distinctive horizontal branching creates an architectural, cascading effect.
✔ Beautiful Spring & Autumn Displays – Blooms abundantly in spring and transforms into rich autumn colors.
✔ Low Maintenance & Hardy – Requires minimal upkeep and thrives in various conditions.
✔ Supports Biodiversity – Provides nectar for bees and berries for birds, enhancing your garden ecosystem.
