What is the difference between a snowball bush and a hydrangea?
The Key Differences Between Snowball Bush and Hydrangea Most snowball bush varieties prefer warmer climates, growing in USDA Zones 6-9. While a few varieties grow in colder zones, it’s not ideal for the species as a whole. Hydrangeas tend to be cold-hardy, spanning USDA Zones 4-9. One way to determine whether you have a snowball bush vs a hydrangea is to measure the plant’s mature height. A Chinese snowball viburnum typically grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, while an Annabelle hydrangea grows only 3 to 5 feet tall and wide.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.Viburnum cassinoides + Viburnum plicatum var. Likely the most hydrangea-like flower on the list, these wide, flat blooms bring the same lushness to a garden. They might remind you of a classic smooth hydrangea or a native lacecap, but the deer don’t like these nearly as much.Meet their low-maintenance cousin – the Snowball Viburnum. Huge clusters of white blooms (just like hydrangeas!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.
Do snowball bushes have invasive roots?
These plants do not produce seeds which means they are a non-invasive plant that is botanically sterile. This also means the plants do not produce fruit like other viburnums will. The Undesirable Consequences of Growing Invasive Viburnums. Growing invasive Viburnum species in the U. S. These non-native species often outcompete native plants for resources, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the natural balance of the environment.
Does a snowball bush like sun or shade?
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. Since the Snowball Viburnum can reach large sizes for being a flowering shrub they are classified as fast growing. The Snowball Viburnum grows 2 feet per year until they reach their full maturity.Snowball Bushes grow 1 to 2 feet per year. Most Viburnums grow from 1 to more than 2 feet per year, but dwarf varieties will grow slower. These bushes tend to grow slower in cool climates and faster in warm regions.The Snowball Bush Gets Large This plant is also well known for being a wonderful bird attraction because the bush will have small berries during the fall. Mature Plant Height: 10 – 12 ft.Snowball Bush Viburnums bloom on old wood, so any pruning should be done immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. If the issue persists, consider soil testing to see if your plant lacks any nutrients and adjust your fertilization accordingly.
Is a snowball bush fast growing?
Since the Snowball Viburnum can reach large sizes for being a flowering shrub they are classified as fast growing. The Snowball Viburnum grows 2 feet per year until they reach their full maturity. The Snowball Bush Viburnum thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, plant it in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little sunlight may reduce the number and size of blooms.Snowball Bushes grow 1 to 2 feet per year. Most Viburnums grow from 1 to more than 2 feet per year, but dwarf varieties will grow slower. These bushes tend to grow slower in cool climates and faster in warm regions.The best location for a snowball bush viburnum is usually in full sun, especially in the cooler northern part of its range. The snowball bush likes at least six hours of sunlight per day in order to produce the biggest masses of flowers.Like most viburnums, snowball should have six hours of full sun in order to flower best. It is tough and adaptable and will tolerate a wide array of soil types. Once established, it has great drought tolerance.If it is a Snowball viburnum wait just before it breaks dormancy in the spring. Trim back hard while it is dormant. It will fill out when it starts to grow again. Cut back 1/3 of it now, and when it blooms next year, another good pruning will be good within 6 weeks of the bloom.
Where is the best place to plant a snowball bush?
The Snowball Bush Viburnum thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, plant it in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little sunlight may reduce the number and size of blooms. The Snowball Viburnum is a deciduous shrub, so it sheds its leaves in the fall and blooms form on old wood. If you’re training your Snowball Viburnum Shrub to provide a lot of blooms, prune it back in spring after it has begun blooming to encourage more growth.The best location for a snowball bush viburnum is usually in full sun, especially in the cooler northern part of its range. The snowball bush likes at least six hours of sunlight per day in order to produce the biggest masses of flowers.Hello, Your snowball viburnum blooms in the Spring, so it is best to prune it right after it flowers. Prune it any later, and you’ll be cutting off next year’s flowers.