Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum

Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum, scientifically known as Viburnum plicatum 'PIIVIB-II', is a compact ornamental plant native to Asia and renowned for its stunning and unique attributes.

The plant typically reaches a height and width of around 5 to 10 feet, forming a rounded, multi-stemmed shrub. The leaves are dark green and deeply veined, forming a pleated or plicate appearance that gives the plant its species name. In the fall, these leaves transform to a stunning burgundy color, contributing to the plant's status as a favorite amongst gardeners for its three-season interest.

The real show-stoppers of the Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum are its flowers. The blossoms, which appear in the late spring, are unique in that they form in two horizontal rows along the branches, a characteristic that has earned this plant its "doublefile" name. The flowers start as tight clusters of round balls that are green, then white, before finally opening to reveal an explosion of white blooms that can be 3 inches across, resembling baseballs – a trait that inspired the cultivar’s name, 'Opening Day'.

The fruits of the Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum add yet another layer of visual interest. Following the spring bloom, the plant produces red berries that mature to black. These berries not only add color to the plant but also attract a variety of wildlife, making it a great addition to a wildlife garden.

This plant is relatively low-maintenance, preferring well-drained soils and full sun to part shade conditions. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a hardy choice for most gardens. The Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum's unique combination of striking form, beautiful flowers, and autumn color make it an outstanding choice for landscape interest.

The Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in the landscape. Here are some of its uses:

1. Specimen Planting: The unique structure and stunning flowers of this viburnum make it a fantastic choice for a specimen plant. Its ability to draw the eye makes it an excellent choice for a focal point in a garden.
2. Mixed Borders: Its rounded shape and relatively compact size make it a good fit for mixed borders. The dark green foliage provides a lovely backdrop for perennials, and the spring flowers and autumn color add seasonal interest.
3. Wildlife Garden: The berries of the Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum attract a variety of wildlife, including birds and butterflies. By including this plant in a wildlife garden, you can help support local biodiversity.
4. Privacy Screening or Hedge: If planted in a row, these viburnums can create an attractive hedge or privacy screen. They are dense enough to offer a good level of screening, and their multi-season interest means they're visually appealing throughout the year.
5. Foundation Planting: Their moderate size and neat form make them suitable for foundation planting around homes or buildings, softening the lines of the architecture and providing a pleasant visual buffer.
6. Woodland Garden: Given their tolerance for part shade, these plants can be included in a woodland garden design, where their flowers will light up the understory in the spring.

The Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum's hardiness and visual appeal make it a plant that can fulfill many roles within a landscaped garden, making it a highly useful and versatile addition to many styles of garden designs.

Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum is relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few guidelines that will help this plant thrive in your landscape.

Planting:

1. Location: Choose a location with full sun to part shade. While this plant can tolerate a range of light conditions, it will flower best in a spot with plenty of sun.
2. Soil: This viburnum prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the soil doesn't stay waterlogged. The soil pH can be from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
3. Spacing: If planting more than one shrub, space them about 8 to 10 feet apart to allow room for their mature size.
4. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently around the root ball.

Care:

1. Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. For the first year, water it regularly to ensure the soil stays moist but not saturated. Once established, it will have some drought tolerance, but it's best to water during prolonged dry periods.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Be sure not to mound mulch against the trunk as it can create a moist environment that invites pests and disease.
3. Fertilizing: In general, viburnums don't require much fertilization. However, if your soil is poor, you can apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
4. Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's blooms, as this plant blooms on old wood.
5. Pest and Disease Control: This viburnum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for common issues like viburnum beetles and fungal diseases. If noticed, treat with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.

By following these planting and care tips, your Opening Day™ Doublefile Viburnum should thrive and provide beautiful blooms for many years to come.