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

The viburnum snowball tree is a beloved favourite in many New Zealand gardens for its spectacular spring display of giant, globe-shaped white blossoms. Sometimes called the Snowball Bush, this deciduous shrub is both dramatic and easy to grow, making it ideal for novice and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you’re wanting to brighten your backyard borders, create a feature hedge, or attract pollinators, the viburnum snowball tree brings heaps of versatility and seasonal interest. From its lush green foliage in spring and summer to its fiery red autumn leaves and persistent berries, this shrub offers year-round impact in a range of garden styles.

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 $141.61

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 (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.

Buy Viburnum opulus Sterile (Snowball Bush)

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

What is a Viburnum Snowball Tree?

The viburnum snowball tree typically refers to varieties within the Viburnum opulus species, particularly the sterile forms that produce those iconic, baseball-sized flower clusters without fruit. The Viburnum opulus roseum (Snowball Bush) is a classic selection, valued for its masses of pure white, globe-like blooms that appear in late spring. Another popular, fruitless cultivar is the Viburnum opulus Sterile (Snowball Bush), perfect for those wanting impressive flowers without the berries.

Key Features and Seasonal Interest

A mature viburnum snowball tree stands between 2–4 metres tall, with a rounded, upright shape. From October through November, the branches are laden with clusters of snowball-like flowers, starting off lime green and gradually turning a dazzling white. After flowering, eye-catching crimson foliage emerges in autumn, providing a fiery display before leaves fall for the winter. While some varieties, like the sterile forms, do not set fruit, others—such as Viburnum opulus—can produce translucent red berries that offer added winter interest and attract native birds.

How to Grow Viburnum Snowball Tree

Viburnum snowball trees are hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in most regions across New Zealand. They prefer a sunny to partially-shaded position with well-drained soil. To get the most abundant blooms, plant in full sun and enrich the soil with compost. Water regularly during establishment, especially in dry periods, and mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune after flowering to maintain shape, encourage young growth, and manage size.

Landscaping with Viburnums

The viburnum snowball tree suits a range of uses in the landscape. It excels as a specimen plant, a stunning backdrop for perennial borders, or grouped as a flowering hedge. For a similar effect with layered, horizontal blooms, consider Viburnum plicatum, which features tiered branches and elegant blossoms. The Viburnum plicatum Mariesii (Doublefile Viburnum) and Viburnum plicatum Tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum) offer a slightly different floral presentation but with the same springtime wow factor.

Why Choose a Viburnum Snowball Tree?

If you’re seeking a striking, low-fuss shrub to brighten your outdoor space, the viburnum snowball tree should top your list. Its resilience, showy flowers, and adaptability make it a smart choice for home gardens, lifestyle blocks, and urban landscapes throughout New Zealand. For more inspiration or to order your own, explore our selection including Viburnum opulus roseum (Snowball Bush) and related cultivars to discover the perfect viburnum for your garden.

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.