Viburnum plicatum 'St Keverne' | 5 Litre Pot | 30cm - 40cm Height

Viburnum plicatum ‘St Keverne’ enchants UK gardens with its distinctive tiered branching, abundant white lacecap flowers, and spectacular seasonal transformations, making it a garden star.

This exceptional deciduous shrub, often called the Japanese Snowball Bush or Weddingcake Tree, brings elegant structure and continuous interest to any garden. Viburnum plicatum ‘St Keverne’ showcases delicate white lacecap flowers in late spring, creating a stunning visual display. Its attractive berries follow, providing food for birds, and its foliage then transforms into rich purplish-red tones in autumn. This British cultivar, named after a Cornish village, reliably delivers beauty through multiple seasons. It truly stands out.

• Eye-catching horizontal, layered branches that create a unique tiered effect.
• Abundant, pure white lacecap flowers in late spring to early summer.
• Glossy green, deeply veined leaves that turn vibrant purplish-red in autumn.
• Attractive red berries in summer, maturing to black, which birds enjoy.
• A valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
• Excellent as a specimen plant, in borders, or as an informal hedge.

About Viburnum plicatum ‘St Keverne’

Viburnum plicatum ‘St Keverne’ is a particularly cherished cultivar of the Japanese Snowball Bush. It originates from Britain and proudly bears the name of a picturesque village in Cornwall. This splendid deciduous shrub is renowned for its distinctive architectural form. Its branches grow in horizontal layers, naturally creating a striking tiered habit. This structure provides a beautiful framework even when the plant is not in flower. Consequently, it offers year-round visual appeal.

Blooms and Seasonal Foliage

From late spring, typically May into June, Viburnum plicatum ‘St Keverne’ produces a profusion of beautiful lacecap flowers. These elegant blooms feature a central cluster of small, fertile flowers. Larger, sterile white florets encircle this cluster, creating a charming contrast. The vibrant green, deeply veined leaves provide a lush backdrop throughout the summer months.

Later, as autumn approaches, the foliage undergoes a dramatic transformation. It shifts into breathtaking shades of purplish-red, adding a spectacular burst of colour to the garden. Moreover, bright red berries appear after flowering. They gradually ripen to a glossy black. These berries offer an additional decorative element, whilst also providing a welcome food source for local birds as the season progresses.

Garden Uses and Wildlife Appeal

Gardeners often choose this versatile Japanese Snowball Bush for various roles within a UK garden. Its distinctive form makes it an ideal specimen plant, drawing the eye in borders or acting as a focal point. You can also integrate it seamlessly into shrub beds or along woodland edges. Its layered habit complements natural settings beautifully.

While Viburnum plicatum ‘St Keverne’ generally requires minimal pruning, you might gently shape it to maintain its structure. Also, remove any dead or damaged branches to promote health. Importantly, the open, accessible flowers are highly attractive to beneficial wildlife. Bees and butterflies actively visit the blooms, collecting nectar and pollen. Furthermore, the berries offer sustenance to various bird species, thus enhancing biodiversity in your outdoor space.