Viburnum × carlcephalum (Fragrant Snowball)

Blooming later than most viburnums, Viburnum × carlcephalum (Fragrant Snowball) is a large, rounded, deciduous shrub with dark oval green leaves that turn a beautiful reddish-purple in the fall. In late spring, large rounded snowballs, up to 5 in. across (12 cm), packed with up to 100 pink buds open to delightfully fragrant, pink-tinged white flowers. They are followed by clusters of red berries which ripen black. Hidden by the foliage, the fruits are not particularly showy. Fragrant Snowball is a cross between Viburnum macrocephalum var. keteleeri and Viburnum carlesii. To have the best cross-pollination and fruit display plant in groups rather than as specimens. Perfect for the shrub border, as a flowering hedge, or as a handsome specimen.

• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm). Vase-shaped when young but maturing rounded
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moderately fertile, humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Some drought tolerance once established.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, it makes striking hedges and screens and lovely foundation plantings. Plant your Viburnum near high-traffic areas to enjoy its wonderful fragrance.
• Attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
• Low maintenance, this plant has no serious insect or disease problems, but watch for leaf spot and aphids.
• Prune as required immediately after flowering.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
• Fruit if eaten can cause a mild stomach upset.