- Planting Snowball Bushes. Snowball bushes are perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, depending on species and cultivar, and they prefer full sun but also ...
- Caring for Snowball Bushes. Snowball bushes don't require heavy feeding, and too much fertilizer can promote rot. Use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer in early spring if desired.
- Insects and Disease. Snowball bushes attract a variety of insects including aphids, beetles and caterpillars. ...
- Snowball Bush Propagation. Take snowball bush cuttings in late spring to mid-summer. Look for new growth about 6 inches long with leaves on the branch.
Can you eat snowball bush fruit?
The last snowball bush plant that strives at spring is the European Snowball Bush, also called Cranberrybush. It gives your yard a feel of nature. It is cultivated basically for its flowers and berry fruits. The fruit may be edible, but only in small quantities. With a very acidic taste, it can be used to make jelly.
How to grow a snowball bush?
The best time to grow the snowball bush is during the spring or during fall. The hole should be shallow but make it broad as it will need to spread out. When the plant is in the hole, refill it with the soil you took out. Make sure the root crown remains a couple of inches above the level of the soil. Water down the snowball well.
How to take care of snowball bush Viburnum?
Snowball Bush Viburnum Care 1 Light. The best location for the shrub will be one in full sun, especially in cooler Northern states. ... 2 Soil. The snowball bush prefers well-drained, loamy soil but it isn't too particular and will grow well in many different soil types. 3 Water. ... 4 Temperature and Humidity. ... 5 Fertilizer. ...
How do you take care of a snowball plant?
The snowball prefers loamy soil, ideally well-drained and they can grow in many different types of soil, so they aren’t particular, and tolerates a wide range of pH types. Slightly acidic is best, but not essential. Always water the snowball bush enough.
What is the best fertilizer for snowball bush?
Snowball bushes don't require heavy feeding, and too much fertilizer can promote rot. Use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer in early spring if desired. Pinch spent blooms to help promote new growth. Regular pruning is necessary to keep snowball bushes tidy.
How do I care for a snowball bush?
Snowball Bushes flourish when given six to eight hours of full sun outdoors. These bushes need moist, humus-rich, moderately alkaline soil that drains well, so you may need to amend the soil before planting.
How often should I water my snowball bush?
Water your snowball bush enough to keep its soil evenly moist, as it does not like dry ground. A suggested schedule is 1 inch per week, but you should plan to water it more often if experiencing extreme heat.
Do snowballs like sun or shade?
full sunWhile they will do fine in partial shade, these plants love the light of a full sun throughout their growing season. Plant your shrubs in an area of your garden where they can bask in the sunshine for at least six hours a day—this is key to helping your snowball bush viburnum grow to its full potential.
Should snowball bushes be cut back?
Pruning Viburnum Snowball Bushes. Prune the bush after the flowers bloom in spring. Expect viburnum snowball bushes to blossom in May. Heavy pruning should only be done at this time since you can easily destroy next year's flowers by removing old wood.
How do I get my snowball bush to bloom?
For best blooming, provide snowball with at least six hours of direct, full sun each day. Too much shade means few or no blooms. If your snowball bush is planted in a shaded location, this may be why it won't flower. Consider adjusting the surroundings to let in more sun, or move the shrub to a sunnier spot.
How many times a year does a snowball bush bloom?
Snowball bushes growing in colder climates are probably hydrangeas. The hydrangeas have a much longer bloom period than the viburnums, with blossoms remaining on the shrub for as long as two months. Hydrangeas bloom in spring and may rebloom in fall, while viburnums bloom in summer.
Is a snowball bush and a hydrangea the same thing?
Although they look similar, snowball bush (Viburnum plicatum) and the snowball hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) are actually two different plants. The two are both deciduous shrubs with similar characteristics and some distinctions.
How long does it take a snowball bush to mature?
Up to 24" a year to reach a mature height of 10-15 feet. Space 8 to 9 feet apart for thick screen. Where Should I Plant This Snowball Bush? This adaptable Viburnum should be planted in grow zones 3-8 with full sun to part shade exposure.
When should you trim snowball bushes?
My bush is ten feet tall and I want it shorter. A: The best time to prune snowball bush, Viburnum macrocephalum, is after it finishes blooming and the white flowers have turned to brown. Keep in mind that this shrub is naturally quite large. To keep it small, you'll have to prune it every year after flowering.
How do you trim a snowball bush for winter?
Cut from one to three of the oldest branches back to the ground to renew the shrub. You may cut up to one-third of the old stems from overgrown smooth-leaf hydrangeas to the ground to renew them. Renewal may affect the succeeding year's bloom, so limit its use to overgrown plants or plants whose bloom has fallen off.
How long does it take a snowball bush to bloom?
The specific bloom times for "snowball bushes"—a name that most often refers to viburnums—vary by species, ranging from late April to early June. If a snowball bush isn't covered with blooms during its appointed time, one factor or more may be to blame.
Where is the best place to plant a snowball bush?
Planting. Plant in full sun to part shade. While the Common Snowball Bush does well in some shade, about 6 hours of sun is ideal for best blooming. A well-draining and slightly acidic soil is ideal, but this hardy viburnum is adaptable to most soils.
Is a snowball bush and a hydrangea the same thing?
Although they look similar, snowball bush (Viburnum plicatum) and the snowball hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) are actually two different plants. The two are both deciduous shrubs with similar characteristics and some distinctions.
How do you prune a snowball plant?
2:194:10Prune a Snowball Bush - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReduce the bushes height by one-third. If it becomes overgrown by Vernon snowball bushes growMoreReduce the bushes height by one-third. If it becomes overgrown by Vernon snowball bushes grow relatively quickly so they can become too tall or crowded.
How do you prune a snowball bush viburnum?
1:113:41How to Prune Snowball Bushes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClip off the spent flower heads and remove the branches back to the desired length to shape theMoreClip off the spent flower heads and remove the branches back to the desired length to shape the plant. You don't need to make the cuts at any particular point on the branch.
Where Does This Shrub Grow?
Gardeners in planting zones 3 to 8 can grow snowball bush. The best location for the shrub will be one in full sun (in the North) and with a well-d...
How to Care For Snowball Bushes
Water snowball bush enough to keep its soil evenly moist, as it does not like dry ground. Conserve soil moisture (and suppress weeds, to boot) by a...
What Other Shrubs Share This Common Name?
People apparently find the name of "snowball bush" appealing, because several other plants have commandeered it as their own common name, including...
Landscaping Uses For Snowball Bushes
Some uses for snowball bushes in the yard are as: 1. Hedge plants 2. Specimen plants for spring and/or fall
How much sun does a snowball bush need?
Light. The best location for the shrub will be one in full sun, especially in cooler Northern states. The snowball bush likes at least six hours of sunlight per day in order to produce the biggest masses of flowers.
What type of soil does a snowball bush like?
The snowball bush prefers well-drained, loamy soil but it isn't too particular and will grow well in many different soil types. It also tolerates a wide range of soil pH, but slightly acid is best.
What is a snowball bush?
Snowball bush viburnum is a popular and easy-to-grow landscape plant native to Europe and Asia. This large, moderately-quick growing shrub forms an upright dense mound and features 3-inch round clusters of flowers (resembling, of course, a snowball) that start out apple-green and morph to white, eventually fading to a rosy color similar to hydrangeas. Best planted in the fall, snowball bush viburnum flowers each spring, followed by clusters of red berries that eventually ripen to black. The leaves of the bush are dark emerald green and somewhat resemble the leaves of maple trees. Like maple trees, the leaves of the snowball bush viburnum can turn reddish-orange in the fall, making it a perfect year-round landscape addition and specimen plant for spring or fall.
What color are the leaves on a snowball bush?
Like maple trees, the leaves of the snowball bush viburnum can turn reddish-orange in the fall, making it a perfect year-round landscape addition and specimen plant for spring or fall. Botanical Name. Viburnum x carlcephalum. Common Name.
Why do you leave space between snowballs?
It is a good idea to leave space between your snowball bush and other plants to reduce the chance of attack by bacterial leaf spot or powdery mildew.
Can snowball bush survive drought?
The snowball bush can tolerate fairly harsh winters and is drought-hardy once established. Additionally, it doesn't have any special humidity needs.
How to grow snowballs?
How to grow the Snowball. The snowball will grow quite rapidly, so its a good idea to choose the right spot to plant it. The best thing for you to do would be to find a spot, preferably one which allows in a lot of sunlight and allows for the plant to mature into a large size. Some gardeners who see the snowball as a specimen plant or have plans ...
How tall do snowball bushes grow?
They can grow to a height of twelve feet. The Snowball bush is found in Europe, Northern Africa or in Central Asia. Snowball bushes bloom in spring. They prefer loamy soil with a pH of either six point five, or to seven though they can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions while they grow in full sun conditions or they can grow in partially ...
What is the name of the cranberry bush?
They are known botanically as the Viburnum opulus, but they have several common names – they have been referred to as Snowball bush, the European viburnum snowball bush, the European cranberry bush, or the Eastern snowball.
What is a snowball?
The Snowball, also known as the snowball viburnum or the guelder rose, is a popular plant to grow and is extremely easy to maintain. A large shrub which is of the flowering broadleaf deciduous variety, the Snowball grows into a dense upright mound, the clusters of three-inch flowers will begin as apple green in color and then they will turn ...
Do snowballs like acidic soil?
The snowball prefers loamy soil, ideally well-drained and they can grow in many different types of soil, so they aren’t particular, and tolerates a wide range of pH types. Slightly acidic is best, but not essential. Always water the snowball bush enough. They prefer to live in evenly moist soil. It doesn’t like any dry ground, so try ...
Does a snowball shrub have berries?
This shrub does not produce berries, which some cultivars refer to it as “sterile.”. The leaves of the snowball were three-lobed and have a slight resemblance to the leaves of the maple tree, and like the maple, the leaves of the snowball can often turn into a reddish or orange in colour during the fall period.
Can snowball flowers be cut?
Snowball flowers can be cut and entered into floral displays – a good way of encouraging growth for the flowers would be to pinch the spent blossoms.
How big does a snowball plant get?
The Chinese Snowball Viburnum (Viburnum macrocephalum) is a big, showy plant that can grow anywhere from 8 to 18 feet tall with a spread of 9 to 20 feet.
What does the number 2 mean in a potash plant?
The second number tells you how much phosphorous is provided for blossom production, and the third indicates the amount of potash available to support a healthy root system.
Can you prune a snowball bush?
With periodic pruning, a row of Snowball plants or Snowballs mixed with other shrubs can provide a beautiful visual screen for your yard or hedge. If you opt for pruning, cut back no more than half the bush in the fall or very early spring. While it will impact the number of blossoms the plant produces that season, your Snowball will stay at a manageable size and it will recover quickly; it can grow up to 2 feet each year.
Do snowballs like full sun?
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 9, Snowballs produce more flowers when grown in full sun, but partial shade works well, too . As long as the soil is moist and well-drained, clay, sand or loam all work well as does a pH ranging from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. Keep the ground raked around the plants to limit the pests and diseases that like to multiply in a moist environment.
Can Chinese snowballs grow in your yard?
Without pruning, Chinese Snowball Vibernums can grow to showcase-size in your yard. With periodic pruning, a row of Snowball plants or Snowballs mixed with other shrubs can provide a beautiful visual screen for your yard or hedge.
What is the name of the snowball bush?
Can't get enough of the gorgeous snowball bush? You can easily satisfy your desires because seven different viburnum shrubs go by the name snowball bush. European snowball bush, also known as Viburnum opulus 'Roseum', is probably one of the most common ones. Other favorites include Japanese snowball bush, typically listed as Viburnum plicatum, and fragrant snowball bush ( Viburnum carlcephalum ). Chinese snowball bush ( Viburnum macrocephalum) is another classic, as is the grand-flowering snowball bush ( Viburnum plicatum 'Grandiflorum').
What is a snowball bush viburnum?
During the growing season, snowball bush viburnum has green leaves that provide a beautiful backdrop to the spring flower show. It' s an easy-growing shrub that thrives in full sun to part shade.
How big are snowball bush blooms?
The blooms start as pink buds that unfurl to reveal blush pink white flowers. Individual flower globes measure 5 inches across and are made of up to 100 individual blossoms. The scent is rich and pervasive with carnation clove overtones.
When do viburnum snowballs bloom?
This viburnum snowball bush opens white flowers in mid-spring. The blossoms are 2 to 3 inches across and fade from white to pink as they age. Fall leaf color features shades of burgundy and purplish red.
When do snowball bush flowers bloom?
European snowball bush blooms in spring opening flower clusters that are 3 inches across. The flowers start apple green and age to white. This is one of the oldest recorded viburnums, dating to the 16th Century, when it was called "sambucus rose.".
Do quirky plants need soil?
These quirky plants don’t need soil, but they can’t live on air alone. Here’s what you need to know to keep them healthy.
Is snowball bush viburnum good for drought?
It has good drought tolerance. Snowball flowers are green, then turn white and often fade into a rosy pink. Snowball Bush Viburnum. Prolific, easy to maintain snowball bush viburnum with white flower balls growing in a garden. Photo by: Shutterstock/Ninii. Shutterstock/Ninii. Sun: Full sun to part shade.
How to keep snowballs from growing?
Spreading mulch for about 4 inches over the planting area will help in retaining the moisture and reducing the growth of weeds. Make sure that you leave space between the Japanese snowball tree and other plants in the garden so that the chances of diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot are reduced.
How to plant a Snowball tree?
Find an appropriate place in the garden considering the maximum achievable height and spread of the tree and exposure to the sun. Remove weeds and grass from the site . Dig a shallow and broad hole in the soil. Remove the sapling carefully from the container and loosen the soil around the roots gently. Place the sapling in the centre of the hole and backfill the hole with soil. Water the plant well after planting. Make sure that the soil is soaked in water so that the soil gets settled. Spreading mulch for about 4 inches over the planting area will help in retaining the moisture and reducing the growth of weeds . Make sure that you leave space between the Japanese snowball tree and other plants in the garden so that the chances of diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot are reduced.
What is a snowball shrub?
Viburnum Opulus Roseum the common snowball shrub requires moist and moderately alkaline loamy soil to grow and bloom. They can also tolerate most of the soil types. This plant prefers full sun to a partly shaded position and is drought hardy once they get established. They bloom here the same time as Bulbinella Nutans Cats Tail. They can be grown in containers or pots as a bush or shrub. Viburnums will need repotting each year into at least one size larger pot. Snowball viburnum can be grown as a part of hedgerows or as cover plants.
Where does the snowball tree grow?
Snowball Tree or Guelder-Rose with the botanical name Viburnum Opulus is the native to America, Europe, central Asia and northern Africa. This ornamental plant grows well in the temperate regions of Australia also. Gardeners mainly grow this plant for its ball shaped flower bunch and the red coloured berries.
When to take snowball cuttings?
It is better to take cuttings between November and February, Summer in Australia. Take at least 6 inches long stem cutting with 2 sets of leaves.
Do snowballs like dry soil?
Snowball plant does not like dry soil and this means you need to keep the soil moist. You can feed the plant with slow releasing fertiliser during spring or you can add compost to the soil any time of the year.
Can snowball viburnum be grown in pots?
Viburnums will need repotting each year into at least one size larger pot. Snowball viburnum can be grown as a part of hedgerows or as cover plants.
What is snowball bush?
Snowball bush is a common name used to classify several ornamental plants that produce large clusters of white flowers that resemble heaps of snow. The major pros that are common with the varieties of this ornamental plant are that they are easy to cultivate and maintain. It also does well with most soil types.
What are the two types of snowball bushes?
They are as follows: Species of Hydrangea, which tend to flower in the summer: Species of Viburnum, which tend to flower in the spring:
What is the difference between a snowball hydrangea and a viburnum?
Another difference between these two shrubs is that Hydrangea flowers in summer while Viburnum blossoms in spring.
How tall does a snowball shrub get?
The mature shrub will reach up to 10 feet high. It is one of the last of the very fragrant flowers to bloom in spring. During this season, the flowers attract bees and butterflies. The fragrant snowball grows better in full or partial sun in the Sunset Climate Zones.
What plants grow in the desert?
Read Also: Types of Plants in The Desert. 2. Chinese Snowball Bush. The Chinese Snowball Bush is another species of plant you should be considering growing if you wish to keep your garden and yard alive during spring. It is considered to be the largest of the viburnum varieties.
How tall are Chinese snowballs?
They are also as tall as the previous and even more. At full maturity, they reach between 15 to 20 feet in height.
How tall does a Japanese snowball bush grow?
Japanese snowball bush (Viburnum macrocephalum) grows into a large plant considered to be almost the size of a tree. It can grow as tall as 15 feet, producing lacy white gloves of flower clusters hanging heavy on the branches.
