WSU Clark County Extension

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European Snowball Viburnum

Scientific name: Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'

Taxonomy
Family:Caprifoliacae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:12 ft
Width:10 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:May to July
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description This species is best known for its spectacular of white ball shaped flowers that cover the green foliage of this deciduous shrub in late May.

  Morphology:
European snowball grows to height of more than 10 feet with a similar width. It forms a dense mound of arching, spreading limbs which bear glossy dark green maple-like trifoliate lobed leaves. In late spring flower buds burst open to form showy white balls of petals that may attain a width of up to 3” across. These flowers are sterile. While they first emerge white-green in color, they will morph to pure white and then fade to a slight pink as they age. The cultivar name of ‘Roseum’ reflects the latter season flower color.

  Adaptation:
This species does well on just about site and soil type as long as it is given full sun.

  Pests:
Occasionally aphids can be found clustered on the new growth in the spring. While this can be unsightly, infestations rarely damage the plant.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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