Chinese Snowball Viburnum Macrocephalum

Chinese Snowball Viburnum bushes are popular ornamental shrubs in landscaping due to their striking appearance and various benefits to outdoor spaces. Native to China, this deciduous shrub belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and can reach a height of up to 12 feet with an equal spread. When used in landscaping, it offers several advantages that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the environment.

Chinese Snowball Viburnum Bush Blooms Large Dinnerplate Ball Blossoms

The shrub is an extravagant deciduous flowering plant that can reach 20 feet wide and 25 feet tall. These plants grow to their largest size in warmer climates. While its scientific name is Viburnum macrocephalum, its common name is derived from the rounded, eight-inch blooms that grow from April to June. The flowers that grow on it quickly turn white after blooming. In the beginning, however, they're lime green in color.

The Bloom Cycle

The infertile flowers on these shrubs mainly grow in the spring but can produce a full bloom during the fall. From the moment they bloom to the time they turn white, the flowers are sterile and don't have a fragrance, which is unique compared to other viburnums.

While most of these shrubs don't produce fruit, a specific variety combines fertile and sterile florets that may accommodate fruit growth. Even though the rest of the plant's foliage remains dark green throughout the spring and summer, the oval leaves turn a pleasant shade of burgundy once the fall arrives.

Long Blooming Flowering Shrub

It blooms for long periods, starting from late April to the end of May, it offers significant cuts that can be placed in vases. The buds of these white flowers can remain intact for weeks or months. The Viburnaceae family consists of many plants. Of these varieties, they have the most giant flowers.

The shrub usually attains a height and spread of 10-15 feet with a rounded to densely bushy crown. Its bulky nature and tendency to develop large clusters of flowers make it ideal for use as a source of focus for landscaping or a tool for creating hedges. 

They grow best under full to partial sun. Although they do well under six to eight hours of direct sunlight, they are heat-tolerant and can thrive in partial shade, especially in the tropics.  It is popular in garden beds for its huge white blooms. It does well as a specimen in an intermixed border, even in blooming hedges. 

Chinese Snowball viburnum bushes are moderate growers. If the conditions are right, they will add about 1-2 feet in height in a year. Under favorable conditions, they attain their maximum dimensions in 5-7 years. 

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

Chinese Snowball Viburnum Bushes thrive in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Prune after blooming to preserve form and promote new growth. Fertilize in early spring with a proportional fertilizer. Mulch near the bottom to maintain moisture and control weeds.

Plant Reproduction

Chinese Snowball Viburnum Bush spreads by root suckers and layering.

Plant bare-root shrubs during the more excellent spring or fall months, from November through April. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and slightly more profound than its height. Position the shrub so that the top of the roots is level with the ground, and put back the soil dug over the roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the shrub's stem. Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish strong roots. Prune shrubs as needed to promote healthy growth. In the spring, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suited to the specific needs of the shrub.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We only accept returns on plants verified dead. If you think your plants have died, we offer a 1 year warranty, please use use this File a Claim Link to verify dead plants and start with return warranty process.