Snowball Viburnum
Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'
A spectacular spring showstopper that produces large, perfectly round clusters of pristine white flowers that truly resemble snowballs. This old-fashioned favorite creates dramatic focal points in the landscape and the flowers are excellent for cutting arrangements. The maple-like leaves provide attractive summer foliage and often develop good fall color in cooler climates.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
2–8
USDA hardiness
Height
12-16 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Snowball Viburnum in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Snowball Viburnum · Zones 2–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 16 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 8 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
0.3 in. bright red bitter drupe in fall that shrivels after a frost looking like a red raison and persists into winter
Color: Red/Burgundy. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Long-lasting, Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Winter
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: Drupes can be eaten off the bush or used in jams.
History & Origin
Origin: Europe, Asia and N. Africa.
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought
- +Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Mildly deer resistant. Birds love the berries. Host plant to the Spring Azure butterfly.
- +Edible: Drupes can be eaten off the bush or used in jams.
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Thrives in similar partial shade conditions and provides contrasting foliage texture
Astilbe
Shares preference for moist, well-draining soil and blooms complement viburnum flowers
Japanese Painted Fern
Enjoys same light conditions and silvery foliage creates beautiful contrast
Coral Bells
Similar soil requirements and colorful foliage adds season-long interest
Azalea
Both prefer acidic soil and partial shade, creating layered woodland garden effect
Bleeding Heart
Thrives in same moist, shaded conditions and provides spring color
Wild Ginger
Excellent groundcover companion that enjoys same shade and moisture levels
Lungwort
Tolerates same growing conditions and spotted leaves complement viburnum foliage
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to viburnum and inhibits root development
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress growth of nearby shrubs
Butterfly Bush
Competes aggressively for water and nutrients, can overwhelm smaller viburnums
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to aphids and viburnum leaf beetle
Common Pests
Viburnum leaf beetle, aphids, scale insects
Diseases
Bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, crown gall