- 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.
What is eating my snowball bush leaves?
Snowball bushes attract a variety of insects including aphids, beetles and caterpillars. Spray with an appropriate pesticide at first sign of damage, following the directions on the label. Snowballs are prone to fungal spots and mildew on their leaves, especially during the warm summer months.
What kind of soil do Snowball bushes need?
These bushes need moist, humus-rich, moderately alkaline soil that drains well, so you may need to amend the soil before planting. Just before spring, feed your Snowball Bush with a water-soluble fertilizer or granulated fertilizer.
How do you care for a snowball bush Viburnum?
Prolific, easy to maintain snowball bush viburnum with white flower balls growing in a garden. Pruning: If plants need pruning, tackle the task right after blooming to avoid reducing flower bud numbers for the next year's blossoms.
What kind of plant is a snowball bush?
Care of Snowball Bush. By Willow Sidhe ; Updated September 21, 2017. Snowball bush, also known as Viburnum opulus, is an ornamental flowering shrub that produces large clusters of white flowers resembling snowballs, hence the plant's common name.
Should I fertilize my 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 you 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 do I get more blooms on my snowball bush?
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.
Are snowball bushes acid loving?
The snowball bush prefers well-drained, loamy soil but it isn't too particular and grows well in many different soil types. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH but prefers moderately acidic soil.
Do you cut off the dead flowers on a snowball bush?
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. Deadheading, or cutting off the flowers, won't harm viburnum. However, doing it isn't necessary and prevents the plant from growing berries.
When should you trim snowball bushes?
How to Prune Snowball BushesPrune summer-blooming Annabelle and panicle hydrangeas anytime after the first hard freeze through late winter. ... Cut branches on Annabelles back to between 4 and 10 inches tall each year. ... Prune panicle hydrangeas such as “Limelight” or “Tardiva” back to within 4 to 6 inches of the main stem.More items...
What is the best fertilizer for viburnum?
Organic Fertilizer Later, alfalfa meal, compost, rotted manures and fish emulsion are all safe choices for fertilizing viburnums. Simply add a few shovelfuls of well-decomposed compost, manure or other amendments at regular intervals through the growing season to continue to nourish your viburnums.
Are snowball bushes and hydrangeas 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.
When should I cut back my snowball hydrangea?
Prune Snowball Hydrangea in Late Winter Pruning in late spring or early summer after new growth has appeared will remove potential flower buds. It's best to prune your snowball hydrangea to the ground in late winter so that strong new stems will grow and produce plenty of flower buds.
When should I feed my viburnum?
springViburnums are not heavy feeders, but can benefit from a once a year fertilization in the spring. When well established, it can do fine without any feeding. If you would like to boost blooming and foliage color, you can feed the viburnum a slow release tree and shrub formula just after it blooms.
Do snowball bushes need full sun?
While 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.
Why is my snowball bush brown?
When you notice your snowball viburnum leaves beginning to turn brown and curl, the most likely cause is snowball aphids. These aphids don't usually attack other viburnum species, but a large infestation can kill the snowball variety. These tiny bugs suck the sap from the leaves then secrete a sweet, sticky substance.
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.
Are snowball bushes and hydrangeas 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 trim a snowball bush in the fall?
1:064:10Prune a Snowball Bush - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a clean sharp pair of shears cut as close to the soil as you can to completely remove theMoreUsing a clean sharp pair of shears cut as close to the soil as you can to completely remove the shoots and most remove no more than one-third of the shoots. Usually.
Does a snowball bush bloom all summer?
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.
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 to enjoy snowball bushes?
The fastest way to begin enjoying a Snowball Bush is by planting a mature plant. Snowball bushes make a great statement in your garden and can be planted in succession to create a living privacy fence. Shop for Viburnum Shrubs today, and make your landscape the envy of the neighborhood!
How much sun does a snowball bush need?
Snowball Bushes flourish when given six to eight hours of full sun outdoors.
How Far Apart Should Snowball Bushes Be Planted?
Snowball Bushes should be planted in tracts that are at least three times as wide as they are tall. At maturity, Snowball Bushes can be very tall and wide (up to 20 feet in each direction for Viburnum macrocephalum ), and their branches shoot out from the center.
What is the scientific name for a snowball bush?
Different types of Snowball Bushes require different types of care. The Snowball Bush or its scientific name, viburnum plicatum, is sometimes simply called Snowball Viburnum for short.
How to remove snowball bush from container?
Carefully remove the snowball bush from its container and, using your hands, gently loosen any outside roots from the sides and bottom. Take care not to break or damage the roots of the bush. 4. Place the bush in the center of the hole so the root crown is about 1.5 to 2 inches above the surrounding ground level.
What is a snowball bush?
The Snowball Bush is easy to care for and maintain and makes a great focal point for the center of a large yard or for the corner of a foundation planting. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its flowers and berries.
When Do Snowball Bushes Bloom?
Eastern Snowball Bushes begin to bloom in late spring, while Japanese Snowball Trees provide fragrant bulbs earlier in the spring season.
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 a snowball bush?
Snowball bush, also known as Viburnum opulus, is an ornamental flowering shrub that produces large clusters of white flowers resembling snowballs, hence the plant's common name. Hardy in Zones 3 through 8, snowball bushes thrive in most areas of the United States.
How to prolong snowball bush blooms?
Pinch off dead or spent snowball bush flowers. To prolong the bush's blooming season, pinch off dead flowers whenever possible. Sever the old flowers where they meet the stem to minimize shock, and new blossoms will replace them soon afterward.
What is the best zone for snowball bushes?
Hardy in Zones 3 through 8, snowball bushes thrive in most areas of the United States. Gardeners value the shrub for its attractive foliage, showy blossoms and ease of care. The plant's leaves turn yellow to purplish-red in fall, which adds interest to the autumn and winter garden.
Can snowballs grow in shade?
Grow the snowball bush in partial shade, if desired, although it will not bloom as profusely.
How to Care for Your Snowball Bush
First, select an area with full or partial sun and well-drained soil for your Snowball Bush. Generally, this means any area that receives at least four hours of sunlight daily.
Growing Snowball Viburnums
The Snowball doesn't require a lot of upkeep, but if you want it to grow above and beyond, a regular watering schedule is important.
Fertilizing Snowball Bushes
Feed your Snowball with a shot of a water-soluble, general-purpose fertilizer every two months from spring to fall. You can also use a well-balanced blend, like 10-10-10, and follow label instructions.
What insects are in snowball bushes?
Snowball bushes attract a variety of insects including aphids, beetles and caterpillars. Spray with an appropriate pesticide if pest damage crosses the threshold of what's acceptable to you, following the directions on the label.
How to propagate snowball bush?
Snowball Bush Propagation. Take snowball bush cuttings in mid-spring when it's early in the growing period. Look for a current growth about 6 inches long with leaves on the branch. Prune the branch just under a leaf node, using sanitized pruning shears to prevent disease .
How to treat snowballs in the summer?
Snowballs are prone to fungal spots and mildew on their leaves, especially during the warm summer months. Monitor leaves for the sign of mold or fungus and apply an appropriate fungicide.
How high do snowballs grow?
Choose a planting spot that affords the snowball plenty of room to grow. Snowballs like to spread their roots and can grow as high as 12 feet. A spot receiving six to eight hours of bright sun each day is ideal. Advertisement.
What is a snowball bush?
Snowball bushes, also known as Viburnum opulus "Roseum," are tall ornamental shrubs that produce vibrant white blooms resembling their wintery namesake . Their colorful spring and summer evolution begins with green blooms before turning bright white and fading to pink as they wither. In the fall, the snowball bush's foliage turns yellow and red, ...
How to grow a bush with a ball?
Advertisement. Dig a hole wide enough and deep enough to accommodate the bush's root ball so it's snug but the roots have enough room to spread out. Add compost to enrich the soil and add water to establish roots. Top the soil with mulch to protect the roots from weeds and the elements.
Do snowball bushes like sun?
Thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture Zones 3 to 8, snowball bushes prefer full sun but also do well with partial shade. Best planted in the fall or spring, snowball bushes appreciate well-drained soil. Choose a planting spot that affords the snowball plenty of room to grow.
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.
What color are the flowers on Viburnum macrocephalum?
The flowers on Viburnum macrocephalum shift from pale green, to cream, to white. Within one snowball flower, individual blossoms can show different shades at the same time, giving blooms a tricolor effect.
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.
How to treat snowball bush with soap?
Treat sucking insects such as aphids, mites, thrips and scale by spraying the snowball bush with insecticidal soap spray. Apply a premixed product or mix a concentrated product at a rate of 1 teaspoon per pint. Increase to 4 teaspoons per pint if the infestation is severe. You can also use a homemade spray consisting of 1 tablespoon ...
What insects are in snowball bushes?
Encourage beneficial insects such as lady beetles and lacewings that feed on leaf beetles, aphids, scale, mites and other pests. Be sure the snowball bush is properly watered, fertilized and pruned, because healthy plants are more pest-resistant than stressed bushes.
How to kill snowball bushes?
2. Spray the soil around the shrub with insecticidal soap spray if you notice root weevil larvae chewing on the roots. Root weevils, which look like white grubs with brown heads, cause significant damage to the snowball bush. Drench the foliage to treat the adult weevils, which are black flying insects. Treat the plant three times ...
How to get rid of viburnum leaf beetles?
Prune infested twigs to remove the eggs of viburnum leaf beetles, which are easy to spot while the plant is dormant from autumn until midspring. Alternatively, use an organic pesticide containing pyrethrins.
