Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball
Most loved for its flat horizontal tiers of branches lined with white lacecap flowers in spring, followed by burgundy autumn leaves.
Regular price
$380.00
Sale price
$380.00
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Pot size
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- Current height guide
- Please enquire
- Pot size
- 40cm/45L
Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.
Height guide & disclaimer
Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.
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About this tree
About this tree
- Mature height
- 2m to 3m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 3m to 4m (approx.)
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' is grown for its shape. Its branches spread out in flat, horizontal tiers, and in spring every tier is lined with white lacecap flowers held upright along the top of the stems. The effect is a layered shrub that looks like a cake stand of white.
It is a deciduous shrub, growing to about 2 to 3 metres tall and wider than it is tall, around 3 to 4 metres across. After flowering it can set red berries that ripen black, and in autumn the pleated leaves turn burgundy and wine red before falling.
Give it full sun to part shade in moist, well drained soil, with shelter from hot drying winds. It is frost hardy. Use it as a specimen where the tiered form can be seen side on, at the edge of a woodland planting, or in a Japanese inspired garden. Pruning is rarely needed, and cutting it back spoils the layered habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Japanese Snowball
How big does 'Mariesii' grow?
About 2 to 3 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide. It spreads wider than it grows tall, so allow room for the tiers to extend.
When does it flower?
In spring. White lacecap flowers line the top of each horizontal branch for several weeks.
Is it evergreen?
No. It is deciduous. The leaves turn burgundy in autumn and fall, and the bare tiered branches still give structure in winter.
How much sun does it need?
Full sun to part shade. In hot inland districts give it afternoon shade and shelter from dry wind.
Does it need pruning?
Rarely. Remove dead or crossing stems after flowering. Avoid shearing, which destroys the layered form.
What soil does it prefer?
Moist, well drained soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions but dislikes waterlogging.
Is it frost tolerant?
Yes, frost hardy. It suits cool and temperate gardens across southern Australia.
Mature height & width
Mature height & width
- Mature height
- 2m to 3m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 3m to 4m (approx.)
Pot sizes & dimensions
Pot sizes & dimensions
| Pot / bag size | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 30cm Pot | 33cm | 30cm |
| 40cm/45L Pot | 44cm | 41.5cm |
| 50cm Pot / 70L Pot | 55cm | 41.8cm |
| 100L Bag | 50.6cm | 52.8cm |
| 150L Bag | 66cm | 55cm |
| 200L Bag | 71.5cm | 60.5cm |
| 300L Bag | 88cm | 63.8cm |
| 400L Bag | 99cm | 66cm |
| 500L Bag | 122cm | 66cm |
| 750L Bag | 134cm | 69cm |
| 1000L Bag | 146.3cm | 71.5cm |
| 2000L Bag | 176cm | 82.5cm |
General planting reference from our existing size guide. Actual containers can vary by supplier and batch; confirm exact dimensions if required.
Delivery & pickup
Delivery & pickup
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About Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii'
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' is grown for its shape. Its branches spread out in flat, horizontal tiers, and in spring every tier is lined with white lacecap flowers held upright along the top of the stems. The effect is a layered shrub that looks like a cake stand of white.
It is a deciduous shrub, growing to about 2 to 3 metres tall and wider than it is tall, around 3 to 4 metres across. After flowering it can set red berries that ripen black, and in autumn the pleated leaves turn burgundy and wine red before falling.
Give it full sun to part shade in moist, well drained soil, with shelter from hot drying winds. It is frost hardy. Use it as a specimen where the tiered form can be seen side on, at the edge of a woodland planting, or in a Japanese inspired garden. Pruning is rarely needed, and cutting it back spoils the layered habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Japanese Snowball
How big does 'Mariesii' grow?
About 2 to 3 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide. It spreads wider than it grows tall, so allow room for the tiers to extend.
When does it flower?
In spring. White lacecap flowers line the top of each horizontal branch for several weeks.
Is it evergreen?
No. It is deciduous. The leaves turn burgundy in autumn and fall, and the bare tiered branches still give structure in winter.
How much sun does it need?
Full sun to part shade. In hot inland districts give it afternoon shade and shelter from dry wind.
Does it need pruning?
Rarely. Remove dead or crossing stems after flowering. Avoid shearing, which destroys the layered form.
What soil does it prefer?
Moist, well drained soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions but dislikes waterlogging.
Is it frost tolerant?
Yes, frost hardy. It suits cool and temperate gardens across southern Australia.
- Foliage
Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
- Position
- Form
- Use
- Mature height
- 2m to 3m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 3m to 4m (approx.)
Planting Information
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball is expected to grow Moderate, about 30cm to 50cm per year (approx.).
Long Term Care For Your Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball
Planting Your Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball in Different Soil
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball works in an:
Is Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball Evergreen or Deciduous?
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 2m to 3m (approx.)
Mature Width: 3m to 4m (approx.)
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball is expected to grow Moderate, about 30cm to 50cm per year (approx.).
Growth Rate of Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball is expected to grow Moderate, about 30cm to 50cm per year (approx.).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball
Is Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball frost tolerant?
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.
Does Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball Flower?
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' flowers in spring. Flat white lacecap heads sit upright along the top of each horizontal branch, so the whole shrub reads as layers of white. Red berries that ripen black can follow.
Does Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
White
Is Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball an Australian Native Tree?
No
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball is Native to Viburnum plicatum grows wild in Japan, Korea and China. 'Mariesii' is a Japanese garden selection known for its strongly tiered branches.
What is the Wildlife Value of Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball ?
The lacecap flowers carry fertile florets in the centre that bees and hoverflies visit in spring. Berries that follow provide food for fruit eating birds.
How much Sunlight does Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball need?
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' grows best in moist, well drained loam rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Avoid heavy ground that stays wet, and improve sandy soil with compost.
Is Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball Drought Tolerant?
Is Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball Drought tolerant?
'Mariesii' prefers steady moisture and is not a drought plant. Water deeply through the first two summers and in dry spells after that, and mulch to keep the roots cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does 'Mariesii' grow?
About 2 to 3 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide.
When does it flower?
In spring, with white lacecap flowers along each tier.
Is it evergreen?
No. It is deciduous, with burgundy autumn leaves.
How much sun does it need?
Full sun to part shade.
Does it need pruning?
Rarely. Shearing spoils the layered form.
What soil does it prefer?
Moist, well drained soil rich in organic matter.
Is it frost tolerant?
Yes, frost hardy.
Compare sizes side by side
40cm/45L
Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' is loved for its flat horizontal tiers of branches lined with white lacecap flowers in spring, followed by burgundy autumn leaves.
We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.
Plant Your Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball With:
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Balls' is Star Jasmine grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere. The small glossy leaves sit tight on a woody framework, holding a clean rounded outline year round. White pinwheel flowers open in spring and carry a strong sweet scent right across a courtyard.
Ball specimens hold at about 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide with light clipping. Full sun to part shade suits them, in any free draining soil. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. They handle coastal exposure, light frost and dry spells once the roots are down.
Repeat them along a driveway, either side of an entry, or in pots on a terrace where a formal shape is wanted straight away. They read as structure in a planting scheme without the height of a hedge, and because the form is already trained, a new garden looks settled from the day it goes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Star Jasmine Balls
What are Star Jasmine Balls?
They are Trachelospermum jasminoides, the common Star Jasmine, grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere on a woody framework. Instead of climbing, the plant is trained into a self supporting rounded shape. The foliage is small, glossy and dark green, and the plant carries scented white flowers through spring.
How big do Star Jasmine Balls grow?
They hold at roughly 1 to 1.5 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year, so a light clip once or twice a year keeps the ball tight at whatever size within that range suits the setting.
Do Star Jasmine Balls need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest foliage and the heaviest flowering, while part shade produces slightly softer, more open growth and fewer flowers. Avoid deep shade, where the ball thins out and loses its outline. Morning sun with afternoon protection suits hot inland gardens.
Can Star Jasmine Balls be grown in pots?
Yes, and pots are one of the main uses. A container 50 to 60 centimetres wide with a quality free draining mix will hold a ball for years. Water more often than you would in the ground, especially in summer, and feed in spring and again in late summer. Refresh the mix every few years.
Are Star Jasmine Balls evergreen?
Yes, the foliage is held year round. The glossy dark green leaves take on a bronze tinge in cold weather and green up again in spring, but the plant never goes bare. That is what makes it useful as permanent structure in a scheme, particularly in winter once perennials have died back.
When do Star Jasmine Balls flower?
Flowering runs through spring, roughly September to November, and often carries into early summer in warmer districts. The white pinwheel flowers are small but produced in quantity, and the scent is strong on still evenings. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun that were not clipped hard just before bud set.
How do I prune and care for Star Jasmine Balls?
Clip lightly with hedging shears once after flowering and again in late summer if needed, taking only the new growth to keep the outline crisp. Water deeply in dry weather, mulch the base, and feed in early spring. The sap is milky and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary
Westringia fruticosa, Coastal Rosemary, is an Australian native evergreen shrub from the headlands and dunes of the east coast. It builds a dense rounded bush of fine grey green leaves held in whorls, with small white to pale lilac flowers. Despite the common name it is not the culinary herb.
Mature plants sit at 1.5 to 2 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide, growing 30 to 60 centimetres a year, and they clip smaller without complaint. Full sun to part shade and sharp drainage are the requirements. Salt wind, sandy soil, drought and light to moderate frost are all handled.
It is a standard on coastal projects, road verges, council garden beds and exposed banks that need erosion cover. Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for an informal screen, or 80 centimetres for a clipped hedge. A single plant fills a 40 to 50 centimetre pot on a courtyard or balcony.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Coastal Rosemary
What is Coastal Rosemary?
Westringia fruticosa is an Australian native evergreen shrub from the headlands and dunes of the east coast. It forms a dense rounded bush of fine grey green leaves held in whorls, with small white to pale lilac flowers. Despite the common name it is not culinary rosemary and is not used in cooking.
How big does Coastal Rosemary grow?
Mature plants reach 1.5 to 2 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide. It clips readily to smaller dimensions and is often maintained at around a metre as a hedge or a low mound. Growth is moderate, roughly 30 to 60 centimetres a year, so it holds a trimmed shape well.
Is Coastal Rosemary suitable for coastal positions?
It is one of the best shrubs available for exposed coastal work. It grows naturally on sea cliffs and copes with salt laden wind, sand and reflected heat. It is used constantly on beachfront reserves, dune stabilisation projects and seaside gardens where little else holds a tidy shape.
When does Coastal Rosemary flower?
The main flush is spring and summer, roughly September through February, with scattered flowering at other times of the year in mild districts. The flowers are small, white to pale lilac and sit among the foliage rather than above it. Clipped hedges flower less than plants left to grow informally.
How far apart should I plant Coastal Rosemary for a hedge?
Space plants 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge, or 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen. On banks and batters used for erosion cover, 1 metre in a staggered grid gives full ground coverage within about two growing seasons.
Can Coastal Rosemary grow in pots?
Yes. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide suits a single plant for a courtyard, entry or balcony. Use a free draining mix, because the roots will not tolerate sitting wet. Container plants need watering more often than those in the ground, plus a light trim to hold their shape.
How do I prune and care for Coastal Rosemary?
Trim lightly two or three times a year, taking the soft new growth and avoiding cuts into bare old wood, which reshoots poorly. Water through the first summer, then only in extended dry spells. On most soils it needs no feeding at all, and it resents heavy watering and poor drainage.
Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Blue’ – Wynyabbie Blue Coastal Rosemary
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Blue’ – Wynyabbie Blue Coastal Rosemary
Westringia 'Wynyabbie Blue' is a hardy Australian native shrub grown for its lilac blue flowers, which are larger and more freely carried than those of the common white forms. Narrow grey green leaves sit in neat whorls on a dense rounded frame that holds its shape through the year.
Expect 1.5 to 2 metres in height and width at maturity, at 30 to 60 centimetres a year. Full sun brings the heaviest flowering, though part shade is accepted. Drainage matters above everything else, after which it takes salt wind, sandy or gravelly ground, drought and light to moderate frost.
Mass plantings on batters, median strips and coastal frontages are where it earns its keep, and it clips into a low hedge of about a metre without losing its flowering. Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for an informal screen. One plant fills a 40 to 50 centimetre pot neatly.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Wynyabbie Blue Coastal Rosemary
What is Westringia Wynyabbie Blue?
Westringia 'Wynyabbie Blue' is a hardy Australian native shrub grown for its lilac blue flowers, which are larger and more freely carried than those of the common white forms. Narrow grey green leaves sit in neat whorls on a dense rounded frame. It is evergreen and holds its structure all year.
How big does Wynyabbie Blue grow?
It reaches 1.5 to 2 metres tall and 1.5 to 2 metres wide at maturity, growing 30 to 60 centimetres a year. It clips comfortably to around a metre if you want a lower hedge, and it will hold that height indefinitely given two or three light trims a year.
When does Wynyabbie Blue flower?
From spring right through autumn, roughly September to May, with sporadic flowers in winter in mild districts. The lilac blue flowers open in flushes rather than all at once, so there is usually some colour on the plant. Flowering is heaviest in full sun on lean, well drained soil.
Is Wynyabbie Blue drought tolerant?
Yes. Once the roots are established it needs very little water and copes with extended dry periods, which is why it is used on unirrigated median strips and road verges. Drainage matters more than watering, since the plant will die in soggy ground long before it dies of thirst.
Is Wynyabbie Blue suitable for coastal positions?
It is. Salt laden wind, sandy soils and reflected heat are all handled, and it is planted routinely on foreshore reserves and beachside gardens. In very exposed frontal positions the plant stays lower and denser than it would inland, which generally suits the situation anyway.
How far apart should I plant Wynyabbie Blue for a hedge?
Use 80 centimetres between plants for a clipped formal hedge, or 1 to 1.5 metres for a dense informal screen. For mass planting on banks and median strips, 1 metre in a staggered pattern gives full coverage within about two growing seasons and shades out most weeds.
How do I prune and care for Wynyabbie Blue?
Trim lightly after each flowering flush, taking soft growth only. Cutting back into bare old wood leaves gaps that will not fill in, so stay on top of it rather than letting it get away. Water through the first summer, then rarely. Avoid rich soils and heavy fertiliser.
Westringia ‘Wynyabbie Blue’ – Wynyabbie Blue Coastal Rosemary
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Perfect Substitutes for Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' - Japanese Snowball
Viburnum tinus
Viburnum tinus
Viburnum tinus flowers through winter and into spring, when almost nothing else is in bloom, opening tight pink buds into flat clusters of white flowers that are followed by metallic blue-black berries. It is one of very few hedging plants that earns its place in the colder months.
Viburnum tinus grows to 2 to 4 metres tall and 2.5 to 4 metres wide at 30 to 50 centimetres per year, forming a dense evergreen mass right to ground level. It clips cleanly into a formal hedge, holds well as an informal screen, and is equally useful as a large-scale groundcover mass on banks.
This is one of the most forgiving hedging plants available, growing in full sun through to part shade and tolerating light to moderate frost once established. It performs from subtropical Queensland through Sydney, the tablelands, Melbourne, Gippsland, the Western District and Adelaide.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Viburnum tinus
How tall does Viburnum tinus grow?
Viburnum tinus grows to 2 to 4 metres tall and 2.5 to 4 metres wide. It is most often held at 1.5 to 2.5 metres as a clipped hedge and holds density right down to ground level.
When does Viburnum tinus flower?
Flowering runs through winter and into spring. Tight pink buds open to flat clusters of white flowers, followed by metallic blue-black berries that persist and attract birds.
Does Viburnum tinus grow in shade?
Yes. It is one of the better hedging plants for shaded positions, performing in full sun through to part shade. In deeper shade growth is more open but the plant stays healthy.
How far apart should I plant Viburnum tinus for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge. For a groundcover mass on a bank, 1 metre apart works well.
Is Viburnum tinus frost tolerant?
Yes. It handles light to moderate frost once established and performs in cool tablelands districts, though young plants benefit from protection through their first winter.
How fast does Viburnum tinus grow?
It grows at a moderate 30 to 50 centimetres per year, which makes it easy to keep at a set height without constant trimming, unlike faster screening plants.
When should I prune Viburnum tinus?
Prune straight after the main flowering finishes in spring. This preserves the following winter's flower buds while giving the plant a full growing season to fill back out.
Viburnum tinus
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bridal Bouquet' - Bridal Bouquet Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bridal Bouquet' - Bridal Bouquet Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bridal Bouquet' carries large, rounded mophead flowers in pure white through summer. The heads open from lime green buds, hold clean white for weeks, then age to a soft antique green as the season ends. It is one of the best hydrangeas for cutting, fresh or dried.
It forms a rounded shrub about 1.2 to 1.5 metres tall and wide, with broad, deep green leaves that set off the flowers. It loses its leaves in winter and reshoots in spring. Because the flowers are white, the colour does not change with soil pH.
Give it morning sun and afternoon shade, or bright filtered light, in rich, moist soil that drains well. It handles frost and light coastal exposure. Use it in cottage and heritage gardens, along shaded paths and fences, as a low informal hedge, or in a large pot on a terrace.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Bridal Bouquet Hydrangea
How big does 'Bridal Bouquet' grow?
About 1.2 to 1.5 metres tall and wide. Plants grow larger in warm, moist districts and stay smaller in cool or dry ones.
When does it flower?
Through summer. Flowers open from lime green buds to pure white, then age to antique green in late summer and autumn.
Will the flowers change colour in my soil?
No. Soil pH changes pink and blue hydrangeas, not white ones. 'Bridal Bouquet' stays white in acidic and alkaline soil.
How much sun does it need?
Morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves and browns the flowers. Deep shade reduces flowering.
When and how do I prune it?
In late winter. Cut stems that flowered back to the first pair of fat buds. Leave stems that did not flower, because they carry next summer's flowers.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes. Use a pot at least 40 centimetres wide and a quality potting mix. Pots dry out fast in summer, so water often and do not let the mix dry out.
Is it good for cut flowers?
Yes. Cut fresh heads early in the morning for vases. Heads left to age to antique green on the plant dry well for wreaths and arrangements.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bridal Bouquet' - Bridal Bouquet Hydrangea
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum, commonly known as Japanese Maple, is a deciduous feature tree valued for its palmate leaves and vibrant autumn colour. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, it is one of our best-selling feature trees at Evergreen Trees Direct. It suits modern garden designs and works well in both pots for smaller gardens and as an avenue planting in larger landscapes.
This low-maintenance tree prefers slightly moist, fertile soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types. Despite the common belief that it only thrives in cooler climates, Japanese Maple performs well in warmer areas when protected from all-day direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
Mature height ranges from 4 to 8 metres, with a width of 3 to 6 metres. Its elegant form, seasonal colour, and versatility make it an ideal choice for feature planting in residential and landscape settings.
Choosing your Japanese Maple. The standard Acer palmatum species is the versatile all-rounder, with classic palmate leaves that turn red and gold in autumn. If you want a specific look, consider its cultivars: 'Atropurpureum' for rich red-purple foliage all season, 'Osakazuki' for brilliant scarlet autumn colour, 'Seiryu' for an upright laceleaf form, or 'Inaba Shidare' for a cascading weeping laceleaf habit. All thrive in the same cool to temperate Australian climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
How tall does Japanese Maple grow?
The standard Acer palmatum species grows to 4-8 metres tall and 3-6 metres wide, with an elegant rounded canopy.
How fast does Japanese Maple grow?
Japanese Maple has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.
Where in Australia does Japanese Maple grow best?
Japanese Maple performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW Southern Highlands, Tasmania, ACT, and elevated parts of SA and WA. In warmer climates, plant in part shade to prevent leaf scorch.
When does Japanese Maple turn red?
Foliage shifts to vibrant red, orange, and gold in late autumn, typically May to June in southern Australia and April to May in NSW.
Can Japanese Maple grow in pots?
Yes. Japanese Maple is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is a popular choice for courtyards, balconies, and feature planting.
Which Japanese Maple cultivar is right for me?
This is the standard species, which produces green spring foliage transitioning to red and gold in autumn. For specific habits or colours, look at 'Atropurpureum' (rich red-purple foliage), 'Osakazuki' (brilliant scarlet autumn), 'Seiryu' (upright laceleaf), or 'Inaba Shidare' (cascading weeping laceleaf).
How do I prune a Japanese Maple?
Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Take out dead, crossing, or congested branches to open up the canopy and show off the layered branch structure. Keep cuts small and avoid heavy reductions, as Japanese Maple has a naturally elegant shape and responds poorly to hard pruning. Removing lower limbs on a young tree helps develop a clean trunk.
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Pieris ryukyuensis 'Temple Bells' - Lily of the Valley Shrub
Pieris ryukyuensis 'Temple Bells' - Lily of the Valley Shrub
Pieris ryukyuensis 'Temple Bells' gives two displays a year from one compact evergreen shrub. Through late winter and spring it hangs dense sprays of creamy white, bell shaped flowers across the canopy. Fresh bronze red growth follows, then settles to a glossy deep green.
It is compact and slow growing, reaching about 1.5 to 2 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide with an upright, tiered habit. Slow growth means it holds its shape with very little pruning, which makes it a reliable choice for pots, courtyards and narrow beds.
This is a shade plant. Morning sun with afternoon shade, or bright filtered light under trees, gives the best flowering and leaf colour. Plant it in moist, acidic, humus rich soil that drains freely, and keep it out of hot drying winds. It handles frost once established.
Use it in Japanese inspired and woodland gardens, along shaded paths and entries, or as a feature in a glazed pot. It sits naturally with camellias, azaleas and Japanese maples, which want the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pieris 'Temple Bells'
How big does Pieris 'Temple Bells' grow?
About 1.5 to 2 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. It is slow growing, so it takes several years to reach full size and stays compact without regular pruning.
When does it flower?
Late winter into spring. Creamy white, bell shaped flowers hang in drooping sprays through the foliage. The buds form in autumn and sit on the plant through winter, so it looks decorative before it opens.
Will it grow in full sun?
It does best in part shade. Hot afternoon sun and dry wind scorch the leaves. In cooler districts it will take morning sun, but give it shelter from the afternoon.
What soil does it need?
Moist, acidic, humus rich soil that drains well, the same as azaleas and camellias. Alkaline soil causes yellow leaves and poor growth. Work in compost before planting and mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes. Its slow growth and compact habit suit pots well. Use a quality azalea and camellia potting mix, water regularly and do not let the mix dry out.
When should I prune it?
Straight after flowering, and only lightly, to tidy the shape and remove spent flower sprays. Pruning in autumn or winter removes the next season's flower buds.
Is it toxic to pets?
Yes. All parts of Pieris are toxic if eaten, to people, dogs, cats and livestock. Plant it away from areas where pets or young children chew plants.
Pieris ryukyuensis 'Temple Bells' - Lily of the Valley Shrub
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