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japanese snowball tree

The Japanese snowball tree is a stunning addition to New Zealand gardens, celebrated for its showy, spherical clusters of white blooms that light up the landscape in spring. Renowned for their reliability and ease of care, these deciduous shrubs offer a beautiful focal point for garden beds, boundaries, and even informal hedges. The Japanese snowball tree is especially popular among gardeners seeking an elegant yet low-maintenance plant that provides year-round interest, with autumn foliage adding extra seasonal appeal.

Agapanthus 'Snowball' pure white flower cluster.

Agapanthus 'Snowball'

5 from 2 customers

Agapanthus 'Snowball' is an elegant evergreen perennial valued for its rounded heads of pure white flowers that sit neatly above lush green foliage. This reliable variety performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for borders, mass planting, and modern landscapes. Its clean white blooms bring brightness and contrast through summer while the evergreen foliage provides year round structure and a tidy low maintenance appearance.

From $18.23

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian, White
viburnum-opulus-sterile-

Viburnum opulus Sterile (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' is a deciduous shrub known for its beautiful clusters of white flowers without producing berries. This low-maintenance variety is perfect for gardeners seeking a tidy, non-fruiting shrub ideal for hedges, borders, and ornamental planting in New Zealand gardens.

From $26.93

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
fatsia-japonica-

Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)

Fatsia japonica is an evergreen shrub with leaves that are large, bright green, and provide a sense of freshness to the garden. Small, white flowers...

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acer-senkaki-

Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki)

Acer palmatum Senkaki is a stunning Japanese Maple or Coral Bark Maple due to its striking and delicate foliage. Small, soft looking leaves emerge...

From$382.61
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Cryptomeria japonica Egmont

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont, commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is an evergreen tree that makes an exceptional and hardy shelterbelt. It features...

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
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Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar)

Cryptomeria japonica is a beautiful and versatile plant perfect for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and year-round interest.

From$299.92
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Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

From$450.68
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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
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Acer Amoenum (Acer palmatum Amoenum)

Acer palmatum Amoenum is a variety of the commonly known, Japanese Maple, and is grown for its rich display of colourful foliage. Leaves on this...

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

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Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.

Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

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A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.

Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ is a compact, evergreen shrub with dense, glossy green foliage and a naturally rounded form. The small, convex leaves give it...

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Pittosporum tobira green foliage and elegant white flowers.

Pittosporum tobira (Australian Laurel)

Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese Pittosporum or mock orange, is a versatile, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and...

From$21.53
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.

Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$382.61
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' specimen tree with colourful dark red foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' (Bloodgood Japanese Maple) is one of the most reliable and popular Japanese maples, valued for its deep red foliage and...

From$391.14
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Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is an herbaceous perennial commonly used as an attractive groundcover, particularly in...

From$22.88
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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
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Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree)

Cassia John Ball, commonly known as the Buttercup Tree or Cassia Plant, is a large and colourful, deciduous shrub. It becomes enshrined by masses of...

From$24.23
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Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

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Acer 'Asahi Zuru' green and white variegated foliage.

Acer 'Asahi Zuru'

Acer 'Asahi Zuru' is a stunning Japanese Maple known for its delicate, variegated leaves that blend pink, white, and green tones. In autumn, the...

From$33.68
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

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Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.

Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$391.14
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

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Acer palmatum stunning specimen tree.

Acer palmatum

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) is a classic ornamental tree treasured for its finely cut foliage, graceful form, and stunning seasonal colour. This...

From$450.68
Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) plants grown as a topiary.

Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its small, glossy green leaves that resemble boxwood. Ideal...

From$26.93
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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

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Agapanthus 'Snowball'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Agapanthus, Cassia, Cedrela, Cryptomeria, Fatsia, Ilex, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Pachysandra, Pittosporum, Schefflera, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus Ulmus and Viburnum, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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What Is the Japanese Snowball Tree?

Commonly referred to as a snowball bush, the Japanese snowball tree belongs to the Viburnum family. Its official botanical name is Viburnum plicatum, and it’s often chosen for its masses of pristine white flowers that form perfectly rounded clusters—hence the name “snowball.” It differs from the similar Viburnum opulus Sterile (Snowball Bush) in both its growth habit and flower structure, though they are both sought after for their iconic blooms.

Growing Conditions and Care

The Japanese snowball tree thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers a spot with dappled sunlight to partial shade. While tolerant of a range of soil types, it performs best when kept moist, especially during the warmer months. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. One of the joys of this plant is how sparingly it demands attention—making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Landscape Uses

Well-known for its versatility, the Japanese snowball tree integrates beautifully into mixed shrub borders and cottage gardens. Its spectacular spring blossoms pair attractively with classic companions like the Hydrangea Snowball, whose similar globe-shaped flowers provide a harmonious display. Consider underplanting with Agapanthus 'Snowball' for a seamless, white-themed effect that lasts from spring into summer.

For a textured, layered garden bed, juxtapose the snowball tree’s tiered branching with bold-leaved evergreens such as Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia), or set it off against the vivid new season’s stems of Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki).

Why Choose a Japanese Snowball Tree?

Besides its ornamental appeal, the Japanese snowball tree is highly valued for its resilience and adaptability. Loving both sun and shade, and rarely troubled by pests, it brings structure and beauty to even challenging spots in the garden. Whether as a standalone feature or layered among other shrubs, it’s bound to become a year-round favourite for Kiwi gardeners wanting lasting charm with minimal fuss.

Discover the Japanese snowball tree’s timeless elegance and transform your outdoor space into a spring spectacle that delights season after season.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
It’s easy to fall for Dianella 'Little Jess' and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), but Pittosporum Millfield Magic, Correa Limelight (Australian Fuchsia), and Typha orientalis (Raupō) offer a different kind of delight.
–The Plant Company

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