Viburnum × carlcephalum (Fragrant Snowball)
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 however 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, 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Viburnum |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spread | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 72" – 120" (180cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Fotoflor
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Viburnum |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spread | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 72" – 120" (180cm – 300cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |