Chinese snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum)

Chinese snowball

The chinese snowball is a flowering shrub, boasting the most enormous pompom blooms among the snowball Viburnums. It is typically grown as a garden plant or a cut flower adornment. This plant's blossoms begin green and gradually fade to cream and ultimately snow-white. Although the flowers have no fragrance, butterflies are attracted to them.

Scientific classification

Species

Chinese snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum)

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

4 m

Plant Height

3 m to 3.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Chinese snowball

Distribution of Chinese snowball

Distribution Map

Chinese snowball is indigenous to eastern Asia, thriving in regions with temperate climates. Beyond its native habitat, chinese snowball has been introduced and is now cultivated in various parts of the world due to its ornamental appeal. Its cultivation status is widespread, marking chinese snowball as a versatile plant adaptable to multiple environments.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Forests, thickets on mountain slopes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify Chinese snowball

Vase-like silhouette reaching up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall and 20 feet (6 meters) wide.

Large, dome-shaped white inflorescences measuring 3-8 inches (7.6-20.3 cm) across.

Serrated dark green leaves with unique star-like hairs on the undersides.

Pubescent stems with fine hairs, ranging from green to brown, around 0.2-0.4 inches (0.5-1 cm) thick.

Sterile florets forming dense cymes, blooming in spring with a distinctive rounded shape.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Chinese snowball

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Chinese snowball is moderately drought-tolerant, thriving with consistent soil moisture. Watering should occur every 1-2 weeks, avoiding complete dry spells. As an outdoor plant, its growth is influenced by seasonal rainfall, requiring less supplemental watering during natural precipitation periods.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, chinese snowball needs balanced fertilizers, like 10-10-10. Apply compost in early spring and reapply mid-summer if growth slows. Use 2 ounces per square yard for mature plants. Withhold fertilizer in winter and always water thoroughly afterward to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Prune chinese snowball in late spring post-blooming by removing dead branches and thinning for air circulation. Shape the plant while avoiding heavy pruning to preserve blooms for the following year. Annual maintenance promotes healthier growth and abundant flowering, ensuring a vibrant display.

Propagation: Chinese snowball features beautiful globular flower clusters in spring. To propagate, use healthy semi-hardwood cuttings (6-8 inches long) with nodes. Apply rooting hormone, maintain high humidity, use well-draining soil, and provide indirect sunlight until roots form, then transplant.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free