Snowball Viburnum
The Snowball Viburnum stands out as a breathtaking semi-evergreen shrub, offering both visual appeal and practical versatility. Often cultivated as a striking small statement tree, it typically grows to heights averaging between 10 to 15 feet. Its most notable feature lies in its magnificent display of large white blooms resembling hydrangeas, which grace gardens with their beauty in the early spring months. Snowball Viburnums also attract birds, butterflies and bees, making them a welcome addition for a pollinator garden.
Descriptions & General Information
Scientific Name: Viburnum macrocephalum
Common Names: Snowball Tree, Snowball Viburnum, Chinese Snowball, Hydrangea Tree
Native Range: China, Southeastern Asia
Hardiness Zones: 6a – 9b
Mature Height: 6 – 25 ft (average is 6 – 15ft in our region)
Mature Width: 6 – 10 ft
Flower Color & Timing: White, Spring
Plant Traits
- Evergreen to semi-deciduous flowering shrub
- Dense, rounded habit
- Medium Growth Rate
- Deer Resistant
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
Cultural Requirements
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Tolerances: Prefers acidic sandy loam, moist soil that drains well
Salt Tolerances: Low
Watering: Moderate, keep soil evenly moist during periods of drought and excessive heat.
Trimming: Trim to shape as needed after blooms have spent in late spring – early summer as Snowball Viburnum bloom on old wood. If rejuvenation or corrective pruning is needed this should be done during dormancy in late winter – early spring, however this may affect blooming for the following season.
Fertilizing: Fertilize in Spring and Fall with a well balanced granular fertilizer
Uses In The Landscape
- Specimen planting as large shrub or small tree
- Can me planted in mass for a large shrub row
- Cottage and Pollinator Gardens
Pests & Diseases
No major pest or disease problems to note.