Family Adoxaceae
Originating from China, Japan and Taiwan
One of the most striking forms for a woodland garden, catching the eye from a distance and possessed of enough detail to fascinate on closer inspection. All Viburnum plicatum varieties hold their branches in a tier-like habit, but ‘Shasta’ seems to have particularly shelf-like sprays of bold, dark green deciduous leaves that are distinctly veined, turning dull purple and red in autumn. In early summer they bear dense clusters of pure white flowers in abundance, taking the form of lace cap flowers with pure white, sterile ray florets around the central cluster of smaller fertile florets. These are followed by red berries, maturing to black.
This vigorous and tough species grows well in woodland dappled shade or full sun and is adaptable to different soils although it prefers moist and sandy humus rich woodland soil.
Height and spread after 3 – 4 years 50cm x 60cm
Semi mature height and spread after 6 – 8 years 1.8m x 2m
Potential mature height and spread after 10 – 15 years 4m x 5m