Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Mary Milton'

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Key characteristics

Family: Adoxaceae
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: Soft pink
Foliage color: Dark green, with a slight reddish tint in spring and fall
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged growth
Growing zone: USDA Zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies; berries attract birds

Shrubs

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Mary Milton'

Mary Milton Japanese Snowball Tree

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Mary Milton' is a deciduous shrub prized for its layered blooms and dynamic foliage. The new leaves emerge with a rich bronze hue, transitioning to green as they mature, creating a changing tapestry of color throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, it showcases clusters of double, pale pink flowers that fade to white, elegantly contrasting with the fresh burgundy tones of the foliage.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Companion plants

Barberry · Butterfly bush · Feverfew · False sunflower · Chives · Snow-in-summer

Design tip

Feature ‘Mary Milton’ where its spring color progression can unfold as a complete display. Bronze new foliage provides a rich backdrop for pale pink flowers, then gradually shifts toward green as the blossoms fade, giving the shrub a naturally evolving composition.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)