shrub RHS Award

Chinese Snowball Viburnum

Name: Chinese Snowball Viburnum
Brand: Viburnum
Availability: InStock

Viburnum macrocephalum

$18.74$18.99Save 1%

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

40-60 years

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub renowned for its enormous, spherical flower clusters composed entirely of sterile florets. It does not produce fruit. This viburnum produces some of the largest flower heads in the genus, up to 8 inches across, resembling giant snowballs. The blooms emerge lime green and mature to a brilliant pure white.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The primary ornamental feature is the breathtaking display of enormous, white, snowball-like flower clusters in late spring. It is an outstanding specimen plant that creates a major focal point in the landscape during its bloom period.

Its large size and dense foliage make it an effective choice for an informal screen or hedge. The long-lasting flowers are superb for cutting and using in fresh floral arrangements, where they make a bold statement.

While the sterile flowers of the common form do not provide pollen or nectar for pollinators, the dense branching structure offers excellent shelter and potential nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Spring Hill NurseryDEAL

Bareroot

In Stock$18.99$18.74

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun or light afternoon shade.
Plant in fertile, moist, but well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant so its crown is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with amended soil and water deeply.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pro Tip

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, to ensure the largest, most spectacular flower heads and prevent premature wilting of the blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry weather.
Plant in a location with good air circulation.
Prune right after flowering to maintain size and shape.
Provide a layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out completely, as this will stress the plant.
Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged soil.
Don't prune late in the season, or you will remove next year's flower buds.
Avoid locations with harsh, reflected heat from pavement or walls.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic flowering specimen plantStunning informal hedge or screenAnchor for a large mixed border

Companion Plants

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer' Philadelphus coronarius Weigela florida Paeonia lactiflora Clematis 'Jackmanii'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chinese Snowball Viburnum questions

What zones can Chinese Snowball Viburnum grow in?

Chinese Snowball Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Chinese Snowball Viburnum deer resistant?

Yes — Chinese Snowball Viburnum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Chinese Snowball Viburnum bloom?

Chinese Snowball Viburnum typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Chinese Snowball Viburnum need full sun?

Chinese Snowball Viburnum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.