Snowball Viburnum

Snowball viburnum is the sterile, double-flowered form of European cranberrybush, sold as Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' (also 'Sterile'). In mid to late spring the whole shrub is covered in 2 to 3 inch balls of white flowers that start pale green, turn bright white, and flush pink as they age. Because every floret is sterile, there are no berries, which also means it does not seed itself the way the fertile species can in the wild.

It grows 8 to 12 feet tall and as wide, in full sun to part shade, in almost any moist, well-drained soil, and is hardy to zone 3. Prune right after the flowers fade, since next year's buds form on the new growth that follows. Fall color runs from yellow to wine red. Deer usually leave it alone, but a hungry herd will browse it. Watch for aphids on soft new growth in spring, and for viburnum leaf beetle where it is established, which can strip the leaves of susceptible viburnums.

It is a plant from Europe and Asia, so it gives wildlife less than native viburnums do. Where a native is wanted, plant American cranberrybush or smooth witherod, and keep this one for the old-fashioned snowball look. See American Cranberrybush for the native cousin.