Viburnum plicatum 'Newport' (Newzam)

Common Name:
Japanese Snowball 'Newport'

Description:
Viburnum plicatum 'Newport' (cultivar name 'Newzam') is a refined and compact deciduous shrub, celebrated for its tiered branching, bold spring blooms, and structured, mounding habit. This cultivar of Japanese Snowball produces large, pure white, ball-shaped flower clusters that appear in abundance during mid to late spring. Unlike the lacecap forms of Viburnum plicatum, 'Newport' bears full mophead-style inflorescences that resemble snowballs, creating a dramatic, eye-catching display. Its horizontal branching gives it a layered architectural form, while the dark green, deeply veined leaves turn to rich shades of burgundy and wine-red in autumn. ‘Newport’ is compact enough for small gardens, low hedging, or feature planting, and is well-suited to Melbourne’s climate. It grows best in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil. With strong ornamental value across multiple seasons, this cultivar brings elegance and structure to any landscape.

Form:

• Shrub – Medium

• Shrub – Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 1.5–2 metres

• Width: 1.5–2.5 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• White

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Hedging

• Autumn foliage colour

• Cold Hardy

• Architectural branching (horizontal, tiered habit)

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

• Helleborus (Hellebore)

• Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)

• Cornus alba (Dogwood)

• Liriope muscari (Lilyturf)