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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-

Viburnum burkwoodii

Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum) is a beautiful semi evergreen shrub renowned for its highly fragrant white flowers that appear in spring and its attractive glossy foliage. The rounded growth habit and masses of scented blooms make it an outstanding choice for New Zealand gardens where it provides seasonal beauty and year round structure.

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
A Viburnum 'Dense Fence' hedge with lush, green foliage.

Viburnum 'Dense Fence'

5 from 2 customers

Viburnum 'Dense Fence' is a fast growing evergreen shrub selected for its naturally dense habit, glossy green foliage, and excellent screening ability. It creates an attractive year round backdrop while producing clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers in spring.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
viburnum-emerald-beauty-3
Viburnum 'Emerald Beauty'

Viburnum 'Emerald Beauty' is a handsome evergreen shrub valued for its lush glossy green foliage, naturally dense habit, and clusters of creamy white...

From$27.53
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Viburnum davidii (male)

Viburnum davidii (Male) is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its distinctive leathery foliage with deeply impressed veins and naturally rounded...

From$27.53
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Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its cream and green variegated foliage that provides year round colour and...

From$27.53
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Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn'

Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' is a beautiful deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant soft pink flowers that appear from late autumn through winter...

From$37.19
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
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Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
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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...

From$515.35
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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

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Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
viburnum-plicatum--3
Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball Tree)

Viburnum plicatum is an elegant deciduous shrub admired for its graceful tiered branching, abundant white lacecap flowers in spring, and brilliant...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' is a magnificent deciduous shrub renowned for its large, globe shaped clusters of pure white flowers that create a...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-opulus-sterile-
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...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-notcutts-variety-
Viburnum opulus 'Notcutt's Varieity' (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Notcutts Variety' is a beautiful deciduous shrub prized for its elegant clusters of white spring flowers, attractive green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Viburnum opulus white flowers on a stem.
Viburnum opulus (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus is a hardy deciduous shrub admired for its attractive clusters of white spring flowers, vibrant red berries, and brilliant autumn...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-plicatum-roseum-5
Viburnum plicatum 'Roseum'

Viburnum plicatum 'Roseum' is a stunning deciduous shrub renowned for its large, snowball like clusters of white flowers that cover the branches in...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-summer-snowflake-
Viburnum plicatum 'Summer Snowflake'

Viburnum 'Summer Snowflake' is a graceful deciduous shrub celebrated for its elegant tiered branching and masses of lacecap style white flowers that...

OUT OF STOCK
Viburnum mariesii growing in a garden show white flowers and green foliage.
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant tiered branching habit and masses of white lacecap flowers that...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-plicatum-newport-1
Viburnum plicatum 'Newport' (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum 'Newport' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant layered branching habit and masses of white spring flowers. This...

OUT OF STOCK
viburnum-japonicum-1
Viburnum japonicum

Viburnum japonicum is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy dark green foliage, naturally rounded form, and clusters of fragrant creamy...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum plicatum 'Tomentosum' (Doublefile Viburnum)

Viburnum plicatum 'Tomentosum' is an elegant deciduous shrub renowned for its graceful tiered branching, abundant lacecap style white flowers in...

OUT OF STOCK
Viburnum burkwoodii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ulmus, and Viburnum, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Planter Bags, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search viburnum snowball tree

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.

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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.

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There’s more to explore beyond Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' and Griselinia 'Canterbury' — like the subtle beauty of Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist', Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven', and Dracaena 'Anita'.
–The Plant Company

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