Snowball Bush

 

Viburnum opulus 'sterile'

 

Caprifoliaceae

 

 This vigorous deciduous bushy shrub is fully hardy from zones 4-8. It originated from Europe and Northern and Western Asia. It has an upright growth when young becoming spreading and branching with age. The height can reach from 12-15' tall and equally wide. The bark of the shrub is a gray to gray-green color. Leaves are light to dark green, 2-5" long with a orange tinge in late summer to autumn. They are five lobed and resemble maple leaves. The flowers are globular snowball-like cluster of florets. This variety is unique in the fact that it is one of the non-fruiting Viburnums.

 

This shrub can tolerate a range of soils from alkaline to acidity, dry to waterlogged. Grows best in full sun but can tolerate sun medium shade. Can be left unpruned to form a woody shrub but can be pruned to ground each year to keep from becoming woody. Can be found sold in several different forms i.e. B&B, container grown. Best planting heights are 2-3".  It has no serious disease or pest problems however it usually outgrows the area it was planted in.