Japanese snowball [Kilimanjaro Sunrise] Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum Kilimanjaro Sunrise = 'Jww5' (PBR)

Water

Japanese Snowball 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' prefers evenly moist soil, so water the plant deeply about once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons for smaller shrubs and up to 2 to 3 gallons for larger mature plants. Increase watering frequency during hot, dry spells to maintain soil moisture, and reduce during winter when the plant is dormant. It’s important to avoid waterlogging, so ensure good drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Light

Japanese Snowball 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade is perfect for encouraging healthy blooms and foliage.

Temperature

Japanese Snowball 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures from as low as -20°F to as high as 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant to thrive is between 60°F and 80°F. It’s important to provide some protection from extreme winter chills and hot summer afternoons to ensure the health of the plant.

Pruning

Prune Japanese Snowball 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' to maintain shape and encourage healthier, more robust growth. It's best to prune immediately after the shrub has finished blooming, typically in late spring or early summer. Removing any dead or diseased branches and lightly shaping the plant at this time ensures that flower buds for the next year are not removed, as this variety blooms on old wood.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Japanese Snowball 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' requires a soil mix with good drainage that is rich in organic matter. Loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for optimal growth and flowering. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is recommended to provide the necessary conditions.

Repotting

Japanese Snowball 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' typically doesn't need frequent repotting as it is usually grown as a landscape shrub. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years in the spring can be beneficial to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

The Japanese Snowball 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' prefers average to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions typically found in outdoor garden settings.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and monitor soil moisture.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade to full sun; mulch and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Japanese snowball 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' begins with seed germination, where under suitable conditions, seeds develop into young seedlings. These seedlings grow through a juvenile phase, eventually maturing into flowering shrubs with a characteristic tiered habit. The mature plants bloom in spring, producing large, lacecap-style white flower clusters that attract pollinators. After pollination, if successful, the flowers develop into small red fruits that mature to black, which are often consumed by birds, aiding in seed dispersal. Over many years, the shrubs reach their peak size and can continue to flower annually. In the final stage of their life cycle, the plants will eventually senesce and die, completing their lifecycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most commonly employed method for propagating the Doublefile Viburnum 'Kilimanjaro Sunrise' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. Typically, this is done in the late summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature shrubs, making sure each cutting is about 4 to 6 inches long, which equates to roughly 10 to 15 centimeters. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is usually dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. Then, the prepared cuttings are placed in a potting mix with good drainage and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop, which often takes several weeks. During this period, the cuttings should be kept under indirect light and consistently moist to facilitate rooting.