Japanese Snowball Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum Triumph = 'Trizam'

Water

Japanese Snowball (Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Trizam') prefers evenly moist soil, so it's important to water it deeply, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the plant once a week with about 1-2 gallons, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, it may require additional water, perhaps twice a week, but always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent over-watering. Reduce frequency in winter, when the plant is dormant, to every couple of weeks unless there's significant rainfall.

Light

The Japanese Snowball thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least four hours of direct sunlight each day, though some afternoon shade is beneficial in particularly hot climates. Avoid deep shade since it can result in reduced flowering and a less dense plant form.

Temperature

Japanese Snowball plants prefer temperate climates and can usually handle temperatures ranging from -10°F to 95°F. However, they thrive best when the temperature is between 60°F and 80°F. They are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, which means they can withstand winter lows down to -20°F but may suffer if temperatures exceed the 95°F mark in summer.

Pruning

Prune your Japanese Snowball after it has finished flowering in late spring to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or diseased wood. Thin out old branches to encourage new growth which will be more vigorous and produce better flowers the following year. Pruning can be done annually, but heavy pruning should only be done every few years to prevent stress to the plant. The best time for heavy pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Japanese Snowball 'Trizam' thrives best in a soil mix rich in organic matter with good drainage. The ideal pH for this plant ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat moss or pine bark will create an optimal environment for root health and growth.

Repotting

Japanese Snowball 'Trizam' does not typically require frequent repotting as it's commonly grown as a landscape shrub. When grown in containers, repot every 2 to 3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound to encourage continued growth.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Snowball 'Trizam' is adaptable to a range of humidity conditions and does well in the humidity levels found in most outdoor garden environments without requiring any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and room to grow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, water regularly, and mulch.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Triumph' or Doublefile Viburnum, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which will germinate when conditions are suitable, typically in moist, well-drained soil and with adequate warmth. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a root system, developing into a young plant with characteristic leaves that are deeply veined and arranged in opposite pairs. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state, growing steadily in height and spread, and producing sturdy branches that showcase its distinctive horizontal branching pattern. Once maturity is reached, which can take several years, the plant begins its reproductive stage, blooming in late spring to early summer with clusters of white, showy flowers that attract pollinators and are followed by red to black fruit, which serves as food for birds. After the blooming period, the plant enters a phase of senescence in late autumn, where leaves may change color and drop, however, as a deciduous shrub, it can endure winter dormancy and resurge the following spring. This cycle repeats annually throughout the plant's lifespan, which can extend to several decades if it is grown in optimal conditions and receives proper care.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Doublefile Viburnum, specifically the Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum Triumph 'Trizam', is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is soft and flexible. To do this, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6-inch-long (about 10 to 15 cm) section of a healthy branch, making sure that it has several leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should then be kept in a humid environment with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot to grow on.