Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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green snowball viburnum

The green snowball viburnum is a standout shrub that brings striking beauty and vibrant charm to gardens across New Zealand. Known for its lush, spherical clusters of green-tinted flowers that gradually mature to creamy white, this viburnum is an exceptional choice for those seeking bold colour, easy maintenance, and reliable performance. Whether you're looking to brighten up garden borders, create stunning hedges, or simply enjoy a spectacular spring display, the green snowball viburnum offers versatility and elegance in equal measure. Read on to discover everything you need to know about growing and caring for this popular garden favourite.

Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum)

Viburnum burkwoodii is an evergreen shrub that features lovely foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of fragrant, white-pink flowers during spring. The glossy, green foliage provides a great backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 2.5 m tall and the same wide. Viburnum burkwoodii is commonly included in a mixed planting, used in coastal gardens, planted as a backdrop for smaller plants, or included anywhere the flowering can be appreciated.

Buy Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum)

From $202.44

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.50 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White

Viburnum opulus Sterile

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' (Snowball Bush) is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded clusters of pure white flowers that resemble snowballs during spring. This classic ornamental shrub adds exceptional seasonal beauty to New Zealand gardens with its lush green foliage, vibrant flower displays, and attractive autumn colour. The bold blooms create strong visual impact in mixed borders and feature plantings. Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' (Snowball Bush) is easy to grow, low maintenance, and highly valued for its timeless garden appeal and impressive flowering performance.

Buy Viburnum opulus Sterile

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Living areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

What is Green Snowball Viburnum?

The term "green snowball viburnum" refers most commonly to forms of Viburnum opulus or certain Viburnum plicatum varieties. These shrubs produce rounded flower heads resembling classic snowballs, often starting with a subtle green tint before turning white. Gardeners prize them for their eye-catching blooms, strong structure, and reliable growth.

If you’re looking for more classic snowball varieties, explore the popular Viburnum opulus roseum (Snowball Bush) or the original Viburnum opulus (Snowball Bush). For a twist on the snowball look with horizontal flower clusters, you might love the elegant Viburnum plicatum Tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum) and Viburnum plicatum Mariesii (Doublefile Viburnum). These related varieties share the same hardiness and flower impact but offer unique shapes and hues.

Features and Benefits

Elegant Flower Displays

The primary appeal of the green snowball viburnum lies in its dense, ball-shaped flower clusters. These blooms appear in late spring to early summer, starting out with a soft green colour that gradually fades to ivory, creating a spectacular transition and a focal point for your garden.

Easy Care and Versatility

This shrub thrives in a range of conditions, tolerating both sun and partial shade. Green snowball viburnum adapts well to New Zealand's climate, requiring minimal fuss if planted in well-draining soil. It’s perfect for hedges, specimen plantings, or as a flowering accent in mixed borders.

Seasonal Interest

Beyond its spring blooms, green snowball viburnum offers attractive foliage throughout the summer and autumn, with leaves that may turn reddish before falling. Plus, its sturdy branching structure adds winter interest when other plants have gone dormant.

Planting and Care Tips

Position: Choose a spot with plenty of sunlight or light shade.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged areas.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage future blooms.
Watering: Water during dry periods, especially when newly planted.

If you’re considering viburnums for your garden, take a look at options like Viburnum plicatum, which offer a more layered flower display, as well as the other snowball bush choices linked above.

Why Choose Green Snowball Viburnum for New Zealand Gardens?

Green snowball viburnum brings timeless elegance, reliable performance, and easy-care beauty to any Kiwi garden. Add a touch of spring magic to your outdoor space and explore the dazzling range of viburnums available—each with its own twist on the classic snowball bloom. For more inspiration and selection, browse our featured Viburnum opulus roseum (Snowball Bush) and other viburnum varieties for your next garden project.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

green snowball viburnum

Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum)

Viburnum opulus Sterile

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What is Green Snowball Viburnum?