Chinese Snowball Viburnum
Viburnum macrocephalum ‘Sterile’
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9b Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Height at Maturity: 10-15′
Width at Maturity: 10-12′
Spacing: 6-8′ for solid hedge; 15’+ for space between plants
Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Vase Shape
Growth Rate: Moderate, Fast
Flower Color: Light Green fades to White
Flower Size: 8-12″ clusters
Flowering Period: Spring, Fall
Flower Type: Single
Fragrant Flowers: No
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries: No
Berry Color: NA
Sun Needs: Full to Mostly Sun, Morning Sun With Afternoon Shade, Morning Shade with Afternoon Sun
Water Needs: Average, Low when established
Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Silty
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist to Dry when established
Soil pH: 5.5 – 6.5 (Acid to Slightly Acid)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Visual Attention
Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Drought, Heat, Insect
Description
There just aren’t too many flowering shrubs that rival the magnificence of Chinese Snowball Viburnum when in full bloom. The Chinese Snowball Viburnum is a Georgia Gold Medal winner that deserves a spot in every landscape where it will grow: USDA Zones 6a-9b. In spring, Snowball Viburnum produces an abundance of giant, 8-12″ diameter, snowball-like flower clusters that emerge lime-green and open to white. These large clusters nearly cover the branches in spring and usually repeat later in the summer or early fall. Flowers are excellent both fresh or dried to make beautiful bouquets.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 10 to 15 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide at maturity, Chinese Snowball Viburnum can be grown as a large shrub or lower branches can be removed to form a very attractive small tree ideal for use as an eye-catching specimen or grouping in landscape and flowering shrub borders. Also useful to frame corners, accentuate entryways, or as espalier (trained to grow flat against a wall) in home foundation plantings. A fine addition to cut flower gardens, white theme gardens, cottage gardens and the Xeriscape (low water needs).
Note: For our customers who live and garden above of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a, where this Viburnum variety is not reliably winter hardy, you’ll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.
Growing Preferences
Viburnum is very easy to grow in most any average, moist but well drained soil and full sun to part shade. It prefers a loamy soil of average fertility. As with so many other ornamental plants, it does not like constantly soggy or wet conditions. Very drought tolerant when established and we’ve seen no serious pest or disease problems. Deer haven’t touched it in our gardens. For best flowering, at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day is suggested. Responds very well to pruning for shaping, size control and tree forming. Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
Helpful Articles
Click on the link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Viburnums.
How To Plant And Care For Viburnum Plants
Plant Long & Prosper!
Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff
Questions? Contact Us
Received a very healthy looking plant. Can’t wait for blooms…maybe next spring? Well packaged for shipping.——————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
I took a chance with this purchase and found a forever place for any plants in the future! It was healthy, well packaged, lower price than most, and came before expected! No company these days wows me anymore. This company from order to unboxing focused on every detail. I’m not paid to review this company nor do I ever write these. I felt that this deserved sharing!——————————————————-Wow!! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Great service! Great quality! My shrub arrived quickly and in great condition. Was actually larger than I expected. Planted it right away and it’s doing well!——————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
My Chinese Viburnum 3 gal. arrived at its new home in North Eastern Oklahoma in beautiful condition, with bloom buds! I’m so excited to see it bloom. I temporarily placed in a decorative container on my patio, till I find just the right spot for it in my back yard. Beautiful packaging, not a limb broken! Will definately be ordering more landscaping plants from you in the future, I took pictures of it in the box to show my other gardening friends and highly recommended Wilson Bros.——————————————————————Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
We are very happy with our choice to purchase the Chinese viburnum snowball bush and American sycamore tree. They arrived at their new home in West Texas in wonderful condition. They both had many healthy leaves and a good root system. We’re very pleased with our purchase and will definitely purchase from Wilson Bros Gardens in the future. The Olivers—————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Just received my order today. I will definitely be ordering again from you. Y’all have the packaging down pat! My bushes arrived (delayed by FedEX for 3 days) in great condition and exactly what I had hoped for. Thanks so much!—————————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the kind words and great review! Beth | WBG 🙂
My plant arrived in beautiful condition and I planted it right away. It is really looking great and healthy and I think it will be a “love” next Spring.—————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
The viburnum arrived in a healthy state and we planted it right away. So far it’s looking good. I am hoping for blooms next spring.——————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
I purchased 4 three-gallon Chinese Snowball plants and they arrived promptly, very well packaged, and in great health. The planting instructions were easy to follow and within a week they are all thriving. I couldn’t be happier and will order from the Wilson’s again!———————————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Plant arrived packaged beautifully. It is so healthy and hasn’t been anything but happy since it was planted. I requested that it be shipped quickly as it was a gift from my son-in-law for my daughter. We received it in TWO days. So, so, so pleased with the plant and the service. Thank you.—————————————-We are so glad yall are pleased and we hope she enjoys it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Wow! What healthy plants provide. The Chinese snowball plant is so beautiful and already (still in pot) sprouting new leaves. Can’t wait until next spring when we see the snowballs!!! In addition to this plant, we ordered and received from you a Confederate Rose Hybiscus which arrived in the same beautiful condition. I will definitely be referring others to you and will also definitely purchase from you again when I have need.————————————Wow! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
I wondered how they shipped and if the plant would be in good condition when it arrived. I can tell you it was actually still moist and packed well. Very happy with my purchase.———————————Thanks for the photos! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
This is a gorgeous plant and it arrived neatly packed and ready for planting. I cannot wait to see the buds next year. It is well worth the investment. My aunt has one and loves hers. Great product!——————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
I never bought plants online before but I took a chance and ordered from Wilson brothers. Well let me tell you the 2 plants I ordered a Chinese snowball and a ruby spice summer sweet came promptly and professionally packaged and there was no damage even though the UPS driver didn’t pay attention to the this end up arrows on the box. The plants are thriving and can’t wait for them to start blooming. Thank you Wilson brothers I will recommend you.—————————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks so much for the awesome review and the kind words! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
The plant was well packaged and very healthy. It’s planted and doing well. I am looking forward to seeing blooms. It’s about 15 inches high once in the ground. It’s doing very well. I am very pleased with the quality of plants purchased from Wilson Brothers.————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Thanks so much! After seeing huge Snowballs at the Gibbs Garden, I can’t wait to watch my little girl grow.———————————–We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂
Just received my two plants. I am impressed with the live growth on them. Your place was the last third attempt at ordering these. Everything that came before may have been dormant, but just remained stick-like for months. Thank you for such great care, these will fit perfectly in my memorial garden to my lost family members.———————————–So sorry for your loss. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review and the kind words! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
We’ve order two sets of two of these and we’ve been pleased with both shipments. Plants arrived well packaged and healthy. They were bigger than many other mail order plants that we’ve received and we’re looking forward to them blooming.—————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review and the kind words! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Arrived in record time. Packed perfectly. The plant was in perfect condition. Now if someone would come plant it I’ll be all set.——————————————————We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂
The Chinese snowball arrived healthy and well packed. Very leafy and compact. The weather has turned cold, so waiting on a good day to plant.—————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Well this plant arrived harboring buds and after sitting for a couple days in the pot it is blooming! I am so pleased. I will attempt to eventually prune this into a tree and it arrived in a shape that, I think, will facilitate this effort. It arrived at a good size and a good color. Well packaged. I have yet to be disappointed by Wilson Bros. I have always received healthy plants of a good size. Thank you!—————————————We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the kind words and great review! And for being a loyal customer! Beth | WBG 🙂
I received two Chinese Viburnum in late August. To my surprise, one was actually in bloom when it arrived! A lot of the soil had fallen out of the pots during shipment, but the plants were securely packaged. I immediately unboxed them, replaced the soil and watered thoroughly. They are still waiting to be planted, 3 weeks later, but they are happy and healthy. They are good, large plants. I would definitely order from Wilson Brothers again.————————————-So sorry again for the soil out the pot, but so glad they are okay. We hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the review!! 🙂 Beth | WBG
Zone 8B, i’m happy with my purchase. It came shipped in a box, you could tell that they take the time to pack them so that arrive in good shape. nice size, very healthy. I’ve only had it for a couple of months, its still alive and has even put on some growth. i can’t wait til bloom time. :-)————————————————–Thanks so much for the great review! We are so glad you are pleased! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Very pleased with the size and health of the plants I ordered and received. Person I spoke with was extremely nice and helpful. Can’t wait to see my plants in bloom.
Would definitely order from you again. Thanks.—————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Would definitely order from you again. Thanks.—————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
These plants came packaged well, with tissue over the soil to hold in moisture. I was pleased with every aspect of my purchase. Thanks!——————————–We are so happy you are pleased with your purchase! Beth | WBG 🙂
Dear Wilson Brothers,
Thank you for the excellent care and packaging on the shrubs I ordered recently. They arrived healthy and well hydrated. I will order again!
Best regards!———————————-Thanks for the great review! We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG
Thank you for the excellent care and packaging on the shrubs I ordered recently. They arrived healthy and well hydrated. I will order again!
Best regards!———————————-Thanks for the great review! We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG
This bush was the healthiest plant I’ve received in the mail. Much larger in size than anticipated. It was bought as a birthday gift and the receipiant was more than impressed with the quality as well.. I called customer service with a question prior to ordering and spoke with the sweetest, most helpful woman. I will definitely be ordering from Wilsonbros in the future. Thank you!——————————-We are so glad you are pleased! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG
Beautiful, HEALTHY, nicely-shaped plant. I can tell this little beauty was loved and nurtured. I can’t wait for her to grow and bloom next season! If I can find this review in a few years, I will update it with the picture of her in full bloom. That’s how confident I am that this gorgeous specimen with survive and thrive. Healthy beginnings lead to proliferate growth. Thank you, Wilson Brothers!
Arrived perfectly packed, no damages. My plant has been thriving for a few months now. Will definitely order more from Wilsonbrosgardens!
I always wanted a snowball bush in my garden for the magnificent blooms in early spring. My plant arrived in great shape and is doing great. I will be a returning customer. Thank you Wilson Brothers
My plants arrived in great shape and are doing great. I experienced the Best Service ever!—————————————-Hi Rick, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Chinese Snowball Viburnum Bush. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
Ordered after spring flowering. Well packaged and healthy, well branched plant. Larger than expected, Looking forward to fall flowering!——————————-WBG Reply: Hi Pamela, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Chinese Snowball Viburnum Bush. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come!
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
I purchased this as a gift for my mother for Mother’s Day. I was impressed with how quickly she received the plant being that we live in Virginia and it was coming from Georgia. It was packaged very well and the plant looked fantastic and in great shape. It was very green. She received it after it’s first blooming cycle so we are very excited for the end of summer to see it hopefully bloom once again. ———————- WBG Reply: Hi Chanda – Thanks so much for your review of the Chinese Snowball Viburnum and the compliments. We hope you and your mother enjoy this plant for years to come. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can do for you. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens
My sister had a snowball tree in her yard. It was magnificent with the blooms in early spring. I want to be able to admire mine for years to come. Thank you Wilson Bros. ——————- WBG Reply: Hi Paula – Thanks so much for providing your review of the Chinese Snowball Viburnum. This is one beautiful but tough plant and we hope you enjoy yours for years to come. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service. – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens
Another 5 STAR plant from this company. I ordered a 3 gallon Chinese Snowball and was blown away when I opened that box. It came about 3 1/2 feet tall and had gorgeous lime green blooms, and the largest of the 5 blooms is starting to turn white! It is truly a beautiful and breathtaking plant! You don’t expect to receive this kind of quality by mail order, but these plants are so much better than anything you can find at your local home improvement store. Clearly Wilson Bros. takes the time to care for and nurture these plants growing them for years so their customers can receive something special. And I have to say I couldn’t be more pleased. I love this nursery and will continue to purchase these awesome plants! ——————– WBG Reply: Hi Katrina – Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review, the photos, and for all the wonderful compliments! We do our best to offer the highest quality plants possible and truly appreciate hearing your appreciation of that. That said, in the rare event you ever receive something from us that doesn’t meet your standards or was damaged in shipping do let us know. We stand behind every plant we ship. You’re right, the Chinese Snowball Viburnum is a truly magnificent plant. The 12 foot tall and wide specimen in my own gardens just went into full bloom right now (3/28/2018)…it’s a show I look forward to every spring. Mine usually reblooms again in late summer, though the blooms aren’t quite as large and numerous. Let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with. – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens
Shipped well, no issues. Planted per instructions and the Viburnum is growing well. I placed a tree stake next to the plant to assist in growth (some storms in Fl can produce some heavy winds). So far so good, the plant is growing well and appears to be acclimating perfectly. ——————- WBG Reply: Hi Tom – Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review. We too get high winds here in north-central Georgia. The Snowball Viburnum over 10 years old in our gardens has withstood everything our weather extremes have thrown at it. A very tough but beautiful plant! Staking is a good idea though for the first year or so. After having established a good root system the Viburnum should stand up well on her own. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. – Brent – Wilson Bros Gardens
The plant was in excellent health when it arrived. It was packaged nicely and the soil was still moist. ——— WBG Reply: Hi Mulligan – Thanks so much for your review and the compliments! It makes everything we do even more worth the while. Hope you enjoy your magnificent Chinese Snowball Viburnum for years to come. Let us know if and when there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens
A little smaller than I hoped for, but in good shape. ———- WBG Reply: Hi Holly – Thanks for your review. Sorry to hear the snowball viburnum was a little on the small side, but glad to hear it was in good shape. We had just started shipping from a new crop so the plants weren’t extra large. Good thing is, this is a fast growing shrub so you shouldn’t have to wait too long for it to grow. We have one in our gardens that’s maybe 7 years old and is at lest 1-2′ tall and wide. Let us know if there’s ever anything else we can help you with. We’re at your service! – Brent | Wilson Bros Gardens
We have one Chinese Snowball Viburnum, wanted another, after searching ordered from Wilson Bros primarily due to location, but also price/size. Plant arrived well packaged and protected, looks healthy, nice height (about 4′), & complete planting instructions. Extremely satisfied with plant, shipping, & communication. Fully recommend Wilson Bros.
it is no damage! it is so healthy condition. thanks !!!
Have been trying to locate this variety for a while, not available in local nurseries, thrilled to find it at Wilson Bros Gardens!
I didn’t expect to get a plant with a bloom on it – mine had several blooms. I was surprised at how large the plant was and you did an excellent job packing it for safe shipping. It was a gift for my wife and she loves it! Very good job…now you’ll be getting orders from her:-)



























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