Snowball viburnum is a big bush with white flowers. The flowers look like snowballs. They bloom in spring. The plant is easy to grow. It can live in many places. You just need to know the basics. This guide will show you how.
What Is Snowball Viburnum?
Snowball viburnum is a flowering shrub. A shrub is a bush that grows low to the ground. This one is known for its large, round flowers. The flowers are white. They look like snowballs. That’s why people call it the snowball bush.
There are a few kinds of snowball viburnum. The most common are:
- Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’
- Viburnum macrocephalum
- Viburnum plicatum
All of these have big, white flower balls. Some grow berries. Some do not.
Why People Like This Plant
Many people plant snowball viburnum in their yard. It looks pretty and grows well. Here are the top reasons:
- Large white flowers in spring
- Nice green leaves in summer
- Some types turn red or purple in fall
- Birds like the berries
- You can trim it into a hedge or leave it wild
- Deer do not eat it often
It adds beauty to gardens without much work.
How Big Does It Get?
Most snowball viburnum plants grow between 8 and 15 feet tall. They also grow wide, about the same as their height. Some grow smaller. Some grow larger. It depends on the type. You can trim the plant to keep it smaller.
Where to Plant It
Pick a place in your yard with sun. Snowball viburnum grows best in full sun. That means it needs at least 6 hours of sun each day. It can also live in part shade.
The soil should drain well. This means water should not sit around the roots. If your soil is heavy and stays wet, add compost. This helps water move through the soil.
Leave enough space around the plant. It needs room to grow. Do not plant it too close to your house or other big plants. Give it at least 5 feet of space on all sides.
When to Plant It
The best time to plant snowball viburnum is in early spring or in fall. These seasons are cooler, so the plant can grow roots before hot weather comes.
To plant it:
- Dig a hole two times as wide as the root ball.
- Make the hole as deep as the root ball.
- Set the plant in the hole.
- Fill the hole with soil.
- Press the soil down.
- Water well.
Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks.
How to Take Care of It
Snowball viburnum is easy to care for. But like any plant, it needs some help to stay healthy.
Water
Water the plant once a week for the first year. After that, water only during dry times. Give it a deep soak. Do not just sprinkle the top of the soil. Deep water helps roots grow strong.
Fertilizer
Feed the plant once each spring. Use a general plant food. Compost works too. Do not give it too much. Too much food can make more leaves but fewer flowers.
Pruning
Trim the plant right after it flowers. Do not wait until late summer or fall. If you trim too late, you may cut off the flower buds for next year.
Start by cutting off dead or sick branches. Then shape the plant the way you want. Use sharp clippers. Make each cut just above a leaf bud.
Mulch
Put mulch around the base of the plant. Use wood chips, bark, or leaves. Mulch keeps water in the soil and keeps weeds out. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
Common Problems
Snowball viburnum is strong. But sometimes it gets pests or diseases. Here are the main problems and what to do.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny bugs that suck juice from plants. You may see them on new leaves. They can curl or twist the leaves. You can spray them off with water. Or use insecticidal soap.
Powdery Mildew
This is a white dust on leaves. It shows up in wet weather. Give your plant space and good air flow. Water the soil, not the leaves. A fungicide spray can help.
Leaf Spot
This causes brown or black spots on leaves. It’s caused by a fungus. Pick off sick leaves. Do not water from above. Clean up leaves in the fall.
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Viburnum Beetle
These beetles eat the leaves and leave holes. Look for them in early summer. Cut off branches with damage. Insect sprays may help if it gets bad.
Do You Need to Deadhead?
Deadheading means cutting off old flowers. You do not need to do this with snowball viburnum. The old flowers fall off by themselves. But if you want the plant to look neat, you can trim them.
Does It Make Berries?
Some types do. Others do not. For example, Viburnum opulus makes red berries in late summer. Birds like them. The Roseum type does not make berries because it has no seeds.
Is It Invasive?
Some snowball viburnum plants can spread fast. In some places, they grow wild and take over other plants. This is called being invasive. Check with your local plant office or garden center before planting.
Can You Grow It in a Pot?
You can, but it’s hard. This plant likes space. It gets big. If you try to grow it in a pot, use a large one. Water it often. Potted plants dry out fast. You will also need to feed it more often.
How Does It Handle Cold?
Most snowball viburnum types can live in cold weather. Some grow well in areas as cold as zone 3. That’s very cold. In winter, add mulch to keep roots warm. Do not trim the plant in late fall. That can hurt it when frost comes.
How to Grow New Plants
You can grow more snowball viburnum from a branch. Here’s a simple way using cuttings:
- In early summer, cut a branch that is 4 to 6 inches long.
- Take off the lower leaves.
- Dip the end in rooting powder.
- Stick it in wet soil.
- Cover it with a plastic bag to hold in moisture.
- Put it in a bright place, but not in direct sun.
Roots will grow in a few weeks. You can also bend a low branch to the ground and cover part of it with soil. This is called layering. Roots will form over time.
Plants That Grow Well with Snowball Viburnum
Some plants look nice next to snowball viburnum. Here are a few good choices:
- Daylilies
- Coneflowers
- Hostas
- Boxwood
- Ornamental grasses
These plants bloom at other times, so your yard looks nice all year.
FAQs
When does snowball viburnum bloom?
It blooms in spring, from April to May.
Is it an evergreen plant?
No. It loses its leaves in fall.
Can I prune it in winter?
No. Prune it after it flowers in spring.
How fast does it grow?
It grows about 1 to 2 feet each year.
Does it help pollinators?
Yes. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers.
Is it safe for pets?
The berries can upset a pet’s stomach. Keep pets away from the plant.
Can I grow it inside?
No. It needs sun and space. It will not grow well indoors.
Final Thoughts
Snowball viburnum is a strong, pretty plant. It grows large white flowers in spring. Some types give berries. It adds color and shape to your yard.
Plant it in a sunny spot. Water it during dry spells. Prune it after it blooms. Watch for bugs and trim off dead parts. That’s all it takes.
