Viburnum opulus Snowball 欧洲木绣球

Viburnum opulus Snowball is a large deciduous shrub grown for dense, rounded flower clusters that open greenish white, mature to white and may develop a light-pink tint with age. The bushy, multi-stemmed plant also carries dark-green lobed leaves that can turn red, orange or purplish red in autumn. Allow approximately 2.5–4 m in height and width for a feature shrub, informal screen or substantial mixed border.

Key features

• Botanical name: Viburnum opulus, sold under the Snowball label
• Common name: European snowball viburnum
• Plant type: large deciduous shrub
• Mature height: approximately 2.5–4 m for the horticultural Snowball type
• Mature width: approximately 2.5–4 m for the horticultural Snowball type
• Growth habit: bushy, dense, rounded and multi-stemmed
• Foliage: dark-green lobed leaves with red, orange or purplish-red autumn colour
• Flower colour: greenish white to white, sometimes ageing light pink
• Flower form: dense rounded snowball-like clusters
• Flowering season: late spring to early summer
• Position: full sun to partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained

Growing in Australia

Choose full sun to partial shade and allow enough room for a mature shrub approximately 2.5–4 m high and wide. An Australian source recommends protection from drying wind and harsh afternoon summer sun in exposed positions. Maintain even soil moisture, especially during establishment and dry weather. The plant is deciduous and develops autumn foliage colour before winter leaf fall. The exact named cultivar supplied under the retail Snowball label is not confirmed, so no claim is made about fruit production.

Care tips

Water deeply during establishment and whenever dry conditions reduce soil moisture. Apply mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the stems. Feed in spring with a fertiliser suitable for flowering shrubs according to the label. Routine pruning is minimal; after flowering, remove damaged growth or selected older stems if renewal is needed. Monitor for aphids and common viburnum leaf or root problems as part of general garden care.

Best uses

• Feature shrub
• Mixed or cottage-style border
• Informal hedge or screen
• Cut flowers

Purchase note

Available for local purchase from Summer Garden. Product availability and plant size may vary by season.

FAQs

How large does Viburnum opulus Snowball grow?

Allow approximately 2.5–4 m in height and a similar width for the horticultural Snowball type.

What do the flowers look like?

They form dense rounded clusters that open greenish white, mature to white and may age light pink.

Is Viburnum opulus Snowball evergreen?

No. It is deciduous, with autumn foliage colour before the leaves fall in winter.