Common Name: Eastern Snowball (Snowball Viburnum)
Latin Name: Viburnum opulus ‘Sterile’ (syn. ‘Roseum’)
Brand: —
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Mature Height: ~12 ft (larger with age)
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Mature Width: ~10 ft
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Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
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Cold Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 3–8
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Habit: Rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub; moderate growth
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Foliage: Glossy medium-green, turning purplish red in fall
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Flower: Masses of large, pure-white “snowball” clusters late spring to early summer; excellent for cutting; sterile (no fruit)
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Soil pH: Adaptable; prefers moderately acidic to neutral, well-drained loam
Description:
A classic showpiece, Eastern Snowball covers itself in enormous, pure-white pom-poms that float above fresh green foliage in late spring. This sterile selection (no messy fruit) delivers a spectacular floral display, handsome fall color, and a tidy, rounded form—perfect as a specimen, flowering hedge, or dramatic backdrop.
Care Tips:
Plant in average, moist, well-drained soil; water deeply and regularly the first season, then as needed to maintain even moisture. Feed in early spring. Prune right after bloom to shape and control size (flowers form on old wood). Mulch 2–3" to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Landscape Uses:
Flowering hedges, lawn/island specimens, mixed borders, foundation backdrops, cutting gardens; pairs beautifully with peonies, irises, clematis, lavender, and lilacs.
