viburnum, snowball bush

Viburnum are adaptable deciduous shrubs that are not only showy and sometimes fragrant bloomers, but also support the songbirds with their berry production, and provide excellent fall color in the landscape. Most habits are upright oval to rounded, and foliage tends to be medium to dark green with variable leaf shapes, glossiness and fuzziness. They make excellent tall screens or hedges, specimen trees and shrubs for a fragrance or cutting garden.

Plant in well-drained to moist, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Prune after flowering to create and maintain desired form. Remove a few of the oldest stems as needed to rejuvenate the plant late winter/early spring. Feed early spring and mid-summer with a slow release fertilizer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.