Viburnum opulus (syn. 'Sterile') 'ROSEUM' snowball tree

Snowball tree is a popular deciduous shrub flowering in May. It bears profusion of pure white, spherical inflorescence that might resemble hydrangea flowers from a distance. They are sterile i.e. no fruits are produced. The branches often weep under their weight. The leaves are palmate, three-lobed, 5-8 cm wide, mid green and partly glossy, changing to bright and deep red shades in autumn.

It forms a rounded shrub usually about 3m tall and wide and can be pruned or shaped in any way. The best time to cut it is after flowering (i.e. in June): either trim current year’s growth to achieve a desired shape, or cut it back to about 30 cm above soil level for rejuvenating.

Last update 12-01-2011; 14-10-2019; 29-08-2021