How to Grow Summer Snowflake Viburnum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Summer snowflake viburnum is a beautiful flowering plant that blooms in the summer. The flowers are white and have a delicate snowflake-like appearance. The plant is native to North America and is hardy in zones 4-8.

How to Grow Summer Snowflake Viburnum - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • American cranberry bush
  • Arrowwood viburnum
  • Blackhaw viburnum
  • Nannyberry viburnum
  • Snowball viburnum

Things to Know

  • Summer snowflake viburnum is a deciduous shrub that is native to East Asia.
  • It has opposite, simple leaves that are ovate to elliptical in shape and have toothed margins.
  • The flowers are white, borne in clusters, and have 5 petals.
  • The fruit is a dark blue berry.
  • Summer snowflake viburnum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • It is relatively low maintenance and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types.
  • Summer snowflake viburnum is susceptible to a range of diseases including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem canker.
  • It is also attractive to a range of pests including aphids, scale, and Japanese beetles.
  • Proper care and maintenance can help to minimize the risk of problems.
  • Summer snowflake viburnum is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its attractive flowers and berries.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Summer Crush

How to Grow

  1. For summer snowflake viburnum, first step is to choose a planting site. make sure to select a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Once you have chosen the perfect spot, the next step is to prepare the area for planting. This means removing any weeds or grass from the planting site.
  3. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the summer snowflake viburnum’s root ball.
  4. Once the hole has been dug, place the summer snowflake viburnum’s root ball into it.
  5. The next step is to backfill the hole with soil, making sure to firm it around the root ball.
  6. Water the summer snowflake viburnum well after planting.
  7. For the next few weeks, water the summer snowflake viburnum regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
  8. After a few weeks, you can begin to cut back on the watering, letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
  9. Fertilize the summer snowflake viburnum in early spring, using a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Enjoy the beauty of your summer snowflake viburnum as it blooms from late spring into early summer!

Related plant:
Summer Flowering Shrubs

The Soil

About soil condition, summer snowflake viburnum thrives in nutrient-rich, moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates a wide range of conditions including infertile soils, clay soils, and drought. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soils.

Light condition

Similar to other sun-loving plants, the summer snowflake viburnum will do best if it is given plenty of sunlight. In fact, this plant needs at least six hours of sun each day in order to thrive. If you do not have a spot in your yard that gets that much sun, you may need to provide some artificial light in order to give this plant the light it needs.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of the summer snowflake viburnum is that it prefers cooler temperatures and does not tolerate heat well. This plant is native to Asia and prefers a shady location. It will flower in the summer months and the flowers are white.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70% relative humidity. If the air is too dry, the leaves may start to turn brown and drop off. To increase the humidity around your plant, you can place it on a pebble tray or use a humidifier.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this type of plant prefers, is rich in organic matter and potassium, with a balanced pH. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, before new growth begins. A layer of mulch, applied in late spring, will help to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of summer snowflake viburnum care. This deciduous shrub blooms on old wood, so it's important to prune after flowering. Blooms typically appear in late spring or early summer. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. You can also shape the plant by pruning to remove any wayward or overgrown branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is easy from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in late spring or early summer. Snowflake viburnum can also be grown from seed, although it may take a few years for the plant to flower.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast when compared to other shrubs. They can grow anywhere from six to twelve inches per year. This shrub can reach a height of six to eight feet and a width of four to six feet. They have a moderate to high water needs and prefer well-drained soil. Summer snowflake viburnum is relatively tolerant to drought and salt. They are also tolerant to a wide range of soil conditions, including clay, sand, and loam.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, botrytis, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with fungicides. If you see any of these problems on your plant, be sure to treat it immediately.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your plant. Summer snowflake viburnum need a lot of water, especially during hot weather.
  • Apply fertilizer to the plant regularly.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Place the plant in an area with plenty of sunlight.
  • Protect the plant from strong winds.
  • Keep the plant free from pests and diseases.
  • Check the soil regularly and make sure it is well-drained.
  • Give the plant plenty of space to grow.
  • Train the plant to grow in the desired shape.
  • Enjoy your beautiful summer snowflake viburnum plant!

Substitution

  • VIBURNUM CARLESII (Chinese Snowball)
  • VIBURNUM FARRERI (Chinese Snowball)
  • VIBURNUM LANTANA (Wayfaring Tree)
  • VIBURNUM X RUTILANS (Withered Snowball)
  • VIBURNUM PLICATUM (Japanese Snowball)
  • VIBURNUM DENTATUM (Southern Arrowwood)
  • VIBURNUM EWINGII (Vinegar Tree)
  • VIBURNUM Japonicum (Japanese Snowball)
  • VIBURNUM OPULUS (European High Bush Cranberry)
  • VIBURNUM OPULUS (Swamp Snowball)

Source:
Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum placatum var. tomentosum)
Viburnums | UNL Gardens | Nebraska
Doublefile Viburnum | UMass Amherst Greenhouse Crops and …

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category