Images Depict Mature Plants
Snowball Viburnum
Viburnum opulus
Snowball Viburnum is prized for its dramatic, snowball-like white blooms and vibrant red fall foliage, making it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or specimen plantings. Its deer-resistant nature and ability to thrive in various soil types make it a low-maintenance, versatile shrub perfect for adding year-round beauty and structure to any landscape.
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Snowball Viburnum Shrubs for Sale Online
The Snowball Viburnum (Viburnum opulus 'Sterile') is a stunning deciduous shrub known for its large, showy clusters of white, snowball-like blooms. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, this versatile shrub grows to a mature height and spread of 10-12 feet, making it an ideal choice for garden borders, hedges or as a standout specimen plant. In late spring to early summer, the Snowball Bush produces its famous round clusters of pure white flowers, which start out green and gradually turn to white as they mature, offering a dramatic display in any landscape.
In addition to its beautiful blooms, the Snowball Viburnum provides year-round interest with its deeply lobed, dark green leaves that turn a stunning shade of red in the fall. This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to various soil types, preferring well-drained, moderately moist soil. While this sterile variety does not produce berries, its dense branching habit makes it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or natural hedges. Its compact yet expansive growth habit fills space beautifully while adding height and texture to your garden.
Once established, the snowball Viburnum is low-maintenance and relatively drought-tolerant. It is an excellent addition to gardens looking for a resilient and striking ornamental shrub. It is deer-resistant and adaptable to different growing conditions, making it a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. With its magnificent blooms and multi-season appeal, Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' will become a showstopper in your landscape, providing both beauty and structure year after year.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 10 to 12 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 10 to 12 Feet |
| Classification: | Deciduous, spring flowering |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Habit: | Upright, densely branched |
| Foliage: | Dark green |
| Flower Color: | White, snowball shape |
| Pruning Season: | Prune in summer after flowering |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting, or a specimen planting |
How to Care for Snowball Viburnum
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Snowball Viburnum for years to come!
How Do I Plant a Snowball Viburnum Shrub?
To plant a Snowball Viburnum shrub, choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering. Begin by digging a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball to give the roots plenty of space to spread. Place the shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, and then backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. After planting, water the shrub thoroughly to help establish the root system, and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. If planting multiple Snowball Viburnum shrubs for a hedge or border, space them about 8-10 feet apart to allow room for their mature size. During the first growing season, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist by watering deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry periods. Once established, Snowball Viburnum becomes more drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. For best results, plant this shrub in slightly acidic, well-drained soil to promote healthy root development and abundant blooms. To support growth and enhance flowering, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. With the right care and conditions, your Snowball Viburnum will thrive, rewarding you with large, showy blooms in late spring and stunning red foliage in the fall.
How Do I Water a Snowball Viburnum Shrub?
To water a Snowball Viburnum shrub, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the water reaches the root zone, particularly during hot, dry periods. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the shrub more resilient to drought in the future. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub will help retain moisture, reduce evaporation, and regulate soil temperature. Be cautious not to overwater, as Snowball Viburnum prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot in waterlogged conditions. Once established, Snowball Viburnum becomes more drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. During periods of normal rainfall, the shrub will generally not need supplemental watering. However, during extended dry spells or extremely hot weather, you should check the soil regularly; if the top 1-2 inches are dry, it’s time to water deeply. Proper watering ensures that your Snowball Viburnum produces its iconic, large white blooms in late spring and maintains healthy foliage throughout the growing season. Regular watering also supports the shrub’s vibrant red fall color, making it a standout in your landscape year-round.
How Do I Fertilize a Snowball Viburnum Shrub?
To fertilize a Snowball Viburnum shrub, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. A general-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 ratio provides the necessary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy foliage, strong root development, and abundant blooms. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, but avoid direct contact with the trunk. After fertilizing, water the area thoroughly to help the nutrients absorb into the soil. Fertilizing once a year in early spring is typically enough to keep your Snowball Viburnum healthy and thriving. For an organic approach, you can top-dress the soil around the Snowball Viburnum with compost or well-rotted manure in early spring. This organic method improves soil structure while slowly releasing nutrients over time. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can result in excessive leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Proper fertilization will encourage the shrub’s large, showy white flowers in late spring and ensure vibrant, healthy foliage throughout the growing season. A regular fertilizing routine keeps your Snowball Viburnum performing its best, adding seasonal beauty to your landscape.
How Do I Prune a Snowball Viburnum Shrub?
To prune a Snowball Viburnum shrub, the best time is immediately after it finishes blooming in late spring or early summer. Since Snowball Viburnum blooms on old wood, pruning right after flowering ensures you don’t remove the buds for next year’s blooms. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain the health of the shrub. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and make cuts just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. You can also lightly shape the shrub by trimming back any overly long branches to maintain its rounded, full form while allowing air circulation and sunlight to penetrate the interior of the plant. If your Snowball Viburnum becomes too large or dense, you can thin out some of the older interior branches to rejuvenate the plant and encourage new growth. Be cautious not to remove more than one-third of the shrub at once, as heavy pruning may stress the plant and reduce blooming the following year. Regular, light pruning helps keep the shrub healthy and vigorous, while ensuring it produces its signature large, white flower clusters and vibrant fall foliage. By maintaining a proper pruning schedule, you’ll keep your Snowball Viburnum looking lush and beautiful year after year.
