Viburnum macrocephalum

Chinese snowball viburnum is a popular deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial shrub in the viburnum family (Viburnaceae) grown for its showy flower clusters. It is native to mainland China. The species epithet is a Latin compound meaning “large head” and refers to the large, spherical clusters of flowers, among the largest of the snowball viburnums

It prefers moist acidic well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Chinese snowball viburnum is tolerant of pruning. When pruning, keep in mind that next season's blossoms will appear on new growth.

Chinese snowball viburnum grows up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a rounded vase-shaped form. The leaves are semi-evergreen in the southernmost growing zones, opposite and pubescent with serrate margins. It produces spherical or hemispherical clusters of large, infertile flowers in the spring, and some areas, it produces a second flush of blooms in the fall. The flowers emerge chartreuse, then quickly turn to white and are sterile with no fragrance. Many of the cultivated forms of Chinese snowball viburnum produce only sterile flowers, so there is no fruit production; however, the wild type of this species produces fertile flowers and red drupes. The wild type has less showy flowers and is rarely grown.

Use this plant as a specimen, in groups, for borders, in foundation plantings, or for informal hedges. It can be used in Asian or cottage gardens, shade or woodland gardens, and in children’s gardens.

Quick ID Hints:

• rounded, vase-shaped deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub
• dark green, opposite, pubescent leaves with serrate margins
• pubescent stems
• dome-shaped clusters of chartreuse, sterile blooms that quickly turn white
• no fruit production on sterile cultivars.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.  

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.