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Key characteristics

Family: Adoxaceae
Height: 8 to 10 feet
Width: 10 to 12 feet
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Dark green, turning reddish-purple in fall
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium; prefers well-drained, moist soil
Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, and the berries that follow attract birds

Shrubs

Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’

Doublefile Viburnum

Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii', commonly known as doublefile viburnum, is a deciduous shrub prized for its elegant tiered branching, abundant spring blooms, and attractive fall foliage. Native to China and Japan, 'Mariesii' is popular in gardens and landscapes due to its striking appearance and multi-season interest. In late spring to early summer, it produces flat-topped clusters of white flowers arranged in horizontal layers along the branches, creating a distinctive tiered effect.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Medium; prefers well-drained, moist soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Companion plants

Gaura · Weigela · Salvia · Baptisia · Lilies · Mexican feather grass

Design tip

Make ‘Mariesii’s’ horizontal branching part of the garden’s architecture by viewing it across an open foreground. Its broad, layered form creates strong horizontal lines, especially in spring when rows of white flowers trace the branches from end to end.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)