Doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Weeping Magic')

Overview

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ is a highly desirable compact cultivar celebrated for its unique, pendulous branching habit, setting it apart from its upright relatives. As a type of Doublefile viburnum, this shrub provides exceptional structure even when not in bloom, making it an excellent specimen plant. It brings layers of texture to the spring landscape when its white flowers emerge above the deeply veined foliage.

This cultivar of Viburnum plicatum f. Tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ matures into a low-mounded, manageable shrub perfect for smaller gardens or close foundation plantings. Its low maintenance requirements and adaptability make it an easy addition for gardeners seeking reliable spring interest without intensive care.

The weeping habit of ‘Weeping Magic’ is its signature feature, often reaching only 4 feet tall but spreading up to 6 feet wide, creating an elegant drape of greenery. Enjoy the showy flowers during April and May, followed by attractive red fruits that add seasonal color to this unique introduction from Willoway Nurseries.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Adoxaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 4-6 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ is best achieved in the spring or fall when the plant can establish roots before facing temperature extremes. Site this Doublefile viburnum where it receives full sun or light afternoon shade, favoring locations where the soil stays consistently moist. These shrubs thrive in average, well-drained soils but show adaptability to various soil types provided moisture is consistent.

Watering needs are medium; ensure the soil remains evenly moist, especially during summer, though established shrubs tolerate some dryness. Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, as good drainage is crucial for long-term health. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is adequate, but a spring application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer can support vigorous growth.

Pruning for Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ should be minimal due to its natural shape. If pruning is required to manage size or remove stray branches, perform this task immediately after flowering finishes in late spring. Delaying pruning will unfortunately remove the following year’s flower buds.

Landscape Uses

The distinctive weeping form of the Doublefile viburnum guarantees that Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ serves beautifully as a specimen plant where its architecture can be fully appreciated. Its compact size, topping out around 4 feet, makes it an ideal choice for the front or middle of mixed shrub borders.

This adaptable shrub also functions excellently as repetition planting along a low hedge or foundation planting, providing consistent texture throughout the growing season. Consider pairing it with contrasting upright evergreens or low-growing perennials that tolerate similar sun conditions to highlight its graceful, mounding silhouette.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

This cultivar is known as a compact version of the traditional Doublefile viburnum, maturing smaller than the standard form of Viburnum plicatum f. Tomentosum which can exceed 10 feet. The ‘Weeping Magic’ displays white flowers in the characteristic flat-topped, doublefile arrangement along tiering branches, followed by red fruits. Its most notable feature is its pendulous branches, lending a soft, weeping appearance to the garden until the leaves drop, often before fall color peaks.

Tolerances

• None listed

Potential Problems

Generally, this plant experiences no serious insect or disease problems, making maintenance level low. The primary occasional concern involves wildlife interference, specifically squirrels consuming the flower buds in late winter. If squirrels are active in your area, this damage can lead to significantly reduced or absent blooming in the spring. There are no specific chemical controls recommended, and patience is often required, as buds will generally return the following year if damage occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Doublefile viburnum suitable for?

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ grow?

This compact cultivar typically maintains a height between 3 to 4 feet, spreading outward to a width of 4 to 6 feet.

When does Doublefile viburnum bloom?

Bloom time for this variety is typically in the spring, spanning from April into May, displaying showy white flowers.

What sun exposure does Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ need?

It performs well in a location receiving full sun or partial shade, making it quite flexible for various garden spots.

Conclusion

The Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ offers gardeners a unique combination of graceful form, low maintenance, and reliable spring flowers. Gardeners seeking a distinctive, weeping accent plant should strongly consider this compact Doublefile viburnum. Before planting, confirm your site’s hardiness zone falls within USDA 5-8 and ensure adequate, average moisture is available for best results.

Companion Planting

Choosing companions for Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ involves selecting plants that share similar needs for medium water and adaptability to sun/part shade conditions. Consider pairing it with spring-blooming bulbs like Daffodils or Tulips to amplify the early season color show before the viburnum reaches its peak. Low-growing groundcovers like Hosta (in shadier spots) or hardy Geraniums contrast nicely with the shrub’s arching habit.

For backbone color in the summer, evergreen foundation shrubs with finer texture, such as certain Dwarf Mugo Pines or upright Japanese Holly, create an excellent visual foil to the textural leaves of the Doublefile viburnum. Since this shrub is best kept low-mounded, avoid planting taller background material that might obscure its elegant weeping shape.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Early spring, just as new growth begins, is the ideal time for a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer if your soil is deficient. Remember that pruning must be completed immediately after the bloom period ends in late spring to ensure flower set for the following year; avoid all summer and fall pruning. During the summer months, consistency in watering the Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Weeping Magic’ is key, as medium water needs mean they prefer moist, not dry, conditions. Dormant season care is minimal, focused only on removing any dead or broken branches during a late winter inspection, though be aware squirrels may be present this time of year.