In The Garden Now….Snowballs In May

Common Snowball Bush
Photo by Victoria Gilleland

By Victoria Gilleland

They're out there right now ... Snowballs hanging on the branches of shrubs all over the area! Of course they aren't really snowballs but they certainly look like them.

  

This showy shrub is a member of the viburnum family which includes dozens of plants that grow well in the Pacific Northwest. The snowball-like flower clusters are typically 2 to 2 1/2 inches across. Shrubs can reach anywhere from 8 to 14 feet high and wide. Branches tend to weep when the heavy flower clusters are in full bloom and particularly so when it rains.

If you didn't notice this year, watch next year to see the flowers of this shrub start out lime green and gradually turn to bright white. Another of Mother Nature’s clever tricks!

My Snowball Bush is near the street, growing under some tall Douglas fir trees. It only gets a few hours of morning sun, but that seems to be enough to produce plenty of blossoms. 

If pruned right after blooming, the Snowball Bush will have time to set buds for next year’s flowering. Flowers form on the previous year’s growth. 

You'll probably find one of these showy shrubs in your neighborhood. Take time to enjoy the unique flower show offered.

Botanical Name:  Viburnum opulus ‘Sterile’

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.