Maintenance Landscaping Design

Snowball hydrangea is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves of the snowball hydrangea are oval shaped and green in color. The flowers of the plant are white and grow in clusters. The snowball hydrangea blooms in the summer and the flowers can last into the fall.

Also known as

• Snowball hydrangea
  
• Snowball bush
  
• Snowball tree
  
• Snowball plant
  
• Snowball vine

Basic info

• Snowball hydrangeas are shrubs native to East Asia.
  
• They are member of the Hydrangea genus and are closely related to other hydrangea species.
  
• Snowball hydrangeas are known for their large, round flower clusters which resemble balls of snow.
  
• They typically bloom in late spring or early summer.
  
• The flowers are typically white, but some varieties can have pink or purple flowers.
  
• Snowball hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of soil types.
  
• They prefer full sun to partial shade and should be watered regularly.
  
• Pruning is generally not necessary, but can be done to shape the plant as desired.
  
• Snowball hydrangeas are relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
  
• They make an excellent addition to any garden and can be used in a variety of ways, such as in borders, as specimen plants, or in mass plantings.

Related plant:
Eastern Snowball Viburnum

Growing Steps

1. For snowball hydrangea, first step is to prepare the planting site. The site should be well-drained, moist, and rich in organic matter.
   
2. loosened the soil to a depth of about 12 inches using a spade or till.
   
3. Mix in compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
   
4. Choose a planting location that receives full sun to partial shade.
   
5. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
   
6. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
   
7. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping down lightly as you go.
   
8. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
   
9. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
   
10. Fertilize the plant in late spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Related plant:
Chinese Snowball Viburnum

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the snowball hydrangea grows best in moist, well-drained soil, but it is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade, but it will flower in full shade.

Light condition

Just like other hydrangeas, the snowball hydrangea (H. macrophylla) prefers a spot in the garden that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. It will also perform well in full sun, as long as the soil stays moist. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will wilt and the flowers will fade.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for a snowball hydrangea is that it should be in an area with a lot of sun. It should be in an area where the temperature is not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature for a snowball hydrangea is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant are of medium range. It cannot withstand very dry or very wet conditions. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to curl and the flowers will wilt. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to droop and the flowers will become limp.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. Be sure to fertilize before new growth begins in the spring. As for the roots, they don't like to be too wet or too dry. The best way to make sure they are just right is to use a moisture meter.

Light requirement

Pruning snowball hydrangeas is an important task to keep the plant looking its best. prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half their length. This will encourage new growth and produce fuller, more attractive flowers.

About Propagating

Propagation of snowball hydrangea is typically done through rooting of softwood cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from new growth that has not yet flowered. Once cut, the bottoms of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a moist, well-drained potting mix. The pot should be placed in a shady location and kept moist until roots have formed and new growth appears.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 12 and 24 inches a year. Some varieties can even grow up to 36 inches in a year. The snowball hydrangea is a fast grower, so you can expect it to fill in quickly.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spots are black or brown spots on the leaves, caused by a fungus. Powdery mildew is a white powdery fungus that appears on the leaves and stems. Root rot is a condition caused by too much moisture in the soil, which attacks the roots and can kill the plant.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to water your snowball hydrangea regularly, as it is a thirsty plant.
  
• Fertilize your plant regularly, using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant annually, in late winter or early spring, to encourage new growth.
  
• Place your snowball hydrangea in a location where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  
• Protect your plant from strong winds, as they can damage the delicate flowers.
  
• Check your plant regularly for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  
• Mulch around your plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  
• When watering, be sure to water at the base of the plant and not on the leaves, as this can cause fungal diseases.
  
• In colder climates, you may need to provide extra protection for your plant during the winter months.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful blooms

Related Plants

• Bigleaf hydrangea or Hydrangea macrophylla
  
• Oakleaf hydrangea or Hydrangea quercifolia
  
• Smooth hydrangea or Hydrangea arborescens
  
• Climbing hydrangea or Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris
  
• Oakleaf hydrangea or Hydrangea quercifolia
  
• Mountain hydrangea or Hydrangea serrata
  
• Climbing hydrangea or Hydrangea anomala
  
• Panicle hydrangea or Hydrangea paniculata
  
• Japanese hydrangea or Hydrangea macrophylla
  
• French hydrangea or Hydrangea macrophylla

Source:
Growing bigleaf hydrangea - University of Georgia
Hydrangea - University of Connecticut
Hydrangea: Identify and Manage Problems - UMD