Snowball Bush Information

Snowball bush refers to several plants in the Viburnum genus that bloom in snowball-like clusters of flowers. The bush is a deciduous woody shrub with leaves that are shaped like maple leaves. It can grow 6 to 10 feet tall and spread 6 to 12 feet wide.

Flowers
Snowball bush flowers are showy white clusters that bloom in spring to early summer. The large ball is made up of dozens of small flowers.

Preferences
Snowball bushes prefer deep, moist soil that is well-drained. They like full sun to partial shade. They need protection from the afternoon heat during the summer.

Care
Snowball bushes should be planted in the fall or spring while dormant. Keep the snowball bush well watered during the summer. Prune the bush after it blossoms in order to create a compact bush.

Use
Snowball bushes work well alone or as a border. Cut the blossoms to use in fresh and dried flower arrangements.

Propagation
The snowball bush is a sterile shrub that does not produce seeds. It spreads easily from its roots or by cuttings.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5544225_snowball-bush-information.html

What Is a Snowball Bush?

The snowball bush (Viburnum opulus) produces fragrant white flowers that appear in large clusters, which look much like a snowball. This ornamental shrub is commonly used in residential and commercial landscapes as a border, screen or group planting. This low-maintenance plant tolerates pruning and is suitable for a variety of soil conditions.

Climate
The snowball bush thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, making it a plant that does well throughout much of the United States. Snowball bushes prefer in moist, fertile soils that receive full sunlight or partial shade. This adaptable bush can be planted in soils with a variety of pH levels and is very low maintenance. Annual pruning of old stems will help this hardy plant maintain healthy growth.

Growth
The snowball bush is a deciduous shrub that features multiple stems and matures to a height of 8 to 10 feet, with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. This rounded shrub is dense and has branches that extend to the ground. This bush has a medium growth rate of 13 to 24 inches annually and can be pruned to achieve the desired size and shape of each landscape.

Foliage
Snowball bushes feature simple, opposite leaves. Each leaf has three lobes and measures 2 to 4 inches long. The width of the leaf is equal to the length and the edges of the maple-shaped leaf are toothed. These dark green leaves turn yellow or red in fall before dropping to the ground.

Flowers and Fruit
From May through June, the snowball bush produces a plethora of white flowers. These flowers appear in clusters that measure 2 to 3-1/2 inches in diameter. The inside of the cluster is composed of fertile flowers, while the outside of the cluster contains sterile flowers. After the flowers have bloomed, red berries appear in clusters. Each berry is less than 1/2 inch in diameter. These fruits persist throughout summer and the beginning of fall before shriveling.

Problems
Snowball bushes are generally healthy but have been known to be damaged by a number of pests. Aphids and borers are among the most common pests to cause damage to the shoots and leaves of the snowball bush. When evidence of these pests has been detected, prune away infected areas and dispose of damaged branches. If left unpruned for many years, this shrub can become gangly.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_6600448_snowball-bush_.html