Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’, or the Japanese snowball bush, has wonderful white lacecap-like flowers on horizontally tiered branches in May-June. The dark green leaves turn red-purple in autumn and I always think plants that give two seasons of interest are good value. This beautiful, deciduous shrub makes an excellent specimen plant for a sunny spot or mixed border. Give it plenty of space as it can grow up to 3 metres in the right conditions. It’s easy to grow, and the distinctive, horizontal habit works particularly well in a Japanese-style garden.

We used this plant (one of nearly one thousand) in our GOLD award winning garden at RHS Malvern. We are absolutely delighted by the success of the garden, which also won Best in Show, Best Construction and The People’s Choice Award. The garden, designed by our lead designer, Jamie Langlands and sponsored by the Wildlife Trust, put nature at the heart of gardening. The aim was to show that a wildlife garden can look beautiful at the same time as benefitting essential wildlife.

Read more about it here: https://oxfordgardendesign.co.uk/rhs-malvern-spring-festival-2/