Maintenance Landscaping Design

Snowball bush viburnum is a shrub that typically grows to 6-10’ tall and to 8-12’ wide. It is noted for its large, snowball-like clusters of white flowers which appear in early to mid spring. Each flower cluster is up to 8” wide.

Also known as

• Viburnum dentatum
  
• Viburnum lantana
  
• Viburnum opulus
  
• Viburnum plicatum
  
• Viburnum trilobum

Things to Know

• Snowball bush viburnum is a shrub that is native to North America.
  
• It is a deciduous shrub, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall.
  
• Snowball bush viburnum can grow to be 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.
  
• It prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade.
  
• The shrub produces large, round, white flowers in the spring.
  
• The flowers are followed by small, blue-black berries in the summer.
  
• Snowball bush viburnum is a popular choice for hedges and foundation plantings.
  
• It is a relatively low-maintenance shrub.
  
• Snowball bush viburnum is deer and rabbit resistant.
  
• It is also drought tolerant once established.

Related plant:
Eastern Snowball Viburnum

How to Grow

1. For snowball bush viburnum, first step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
   
2. Dig a hole that is twice the width and as deep as the root ball.
   
3. Gently remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots.
   
4. Place the plant in the hole and fill in with soil. Tamp down gently.
   
5. Water the plant deeply.
   
6. Place a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
   
7. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
   
8. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to shape.
   
9. Snowball bush viburnum is generally a low-maintenance plant.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful plant!

Related plant:
Snowball Bush In Winter

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the snowball bush viburnum prefers average, well-drained soil, but will tolerate a wide range of soils as long as they are not waterlogged. It is not particular about pH, and will grow in full sun to part shade.

Light requirement

Just like other viburnums, the snowball bush grows best in full sun to partial sun. It will tolerate shade, but it may not produce as many flowers. This shrub does best in well-drained soil, but it is adaptable to other types of soil.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for the Snowball Bush Viburnum is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature gets too cold, the Snowball Bush Viburnum will start to experience damage to its leaves. The leaves will become discolored and start to fall off the plant. In extreme cases, the plant may die.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will develop mold or mildew. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this plant does best with either a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied in the early spring, before new growth begins. For the root, this plant prefers a well-drained soil. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important task when it comes to taking care of a snowball bush viburnum. This bush can become quite large, so it is important to prune it back to keep it looking its best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth, which can keep the bush looking full and healthy.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for the snowball bush viburnum is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Be sure to remove any leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting. dip the bottom of the cutting in hormone rooting powder and plant in a mixture of sand and peat. The cutting should be kept moist and in a protected location until new growth indicates that it has rooted.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 13 and 24 inches per year. Exceptionally fast-growing specimens have been known to grow up to 36 inches in a single season. Once they are established, they are quite drought tolerant. They flower best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. The flowers are followed by dark blue berries which are popular with birds.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with fungicide applications. Other problems include scale, mealybugs, and aphids. These can be controlled with insecticide applications.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant snowball bush viburnum in an area that receives full sun.
  
• This shrub does best in well-drained, loamy soil.
  
• Water regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune in late winter to shape and encourage new growth.
  
• Snowball bush viburnum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but watch out for scale, aphids, and powdery mildew.
  
• To propagate, take stem cuttings in late summer or early fall.
  
• This shrub can also be propagated by layering in late summer or early fall.
  
• Snowball bush viburnum can be transplant easily.
  
• This shrub is deer resistant.

Substitution

• Viburnum carlesii, carles viburnum
  
• Viburnum dentatum, arrowwood viburnum
  
• Viburnum dilatatum, linden viburnum
  
• Viburnum lantana, wayfaringtree viburnum
  
• Viburnum lentago, nannyberry viburnum
  
• Viburnum nudum, possumhaw viburnum
  
• Viburnum opulus, guelderrose viburnum
  
• Viburnum plicatum, japanese snowball viburnum
  
• Viburnum rhytidophyllum, leatherleaf viburnum
  
• Viburnum trilobum, american cranberrybush viburnum

Source:
Viburnum, Snowball
Snowball Bush
Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball Bush) - American …