Viburnum macrocephalum - Chinese Snowball

Viburnum macrocephalum is also known as Chinese Snowball. It differs from the Chinese Snowball Bush by having less spectacular inflorescences, but also by its ability to bear fruit. It is an interesting plant for its abundant spring flowering, fruiting, and also for its flamboyant autumn foliage. In the garden, this snowball bush can be planted in a large shrub border or in a mixed hedge, in humus-bearing and moist soil.

The Viburnum macrocephalum is a shrub of the viburnum family that grows in the mountainous forests of central China, at an altitude between 400 and 1000 m. In its natural environment, this species can reach a height of 4 m, but its dimensions are closer to 2-3 m in all directions in our climates. Its habit is rounded, ramified, and somewhat irregular. The shrub blooms between late April and June, depending on the climate. Its wide and rounded inflorescences, measuring 8 to 18 cm in diameter, resemble those of some hydrangeas. Each inflorescence is composed of numerous sterile florets surrounded by a few large fertile florets, measuring 2 to 4 cm in diameter. Initially light green, these florets turn pure white. The naked and villous buds are visible in winter on the young, light and hairy shoots. Its ovate to elliptical leaves, measuring 6 to 12 cm long, sometimes persist through winter in mild climates. They are initially grayish-white at bud burst, turn green in summer, and take on reddish hues in autumn. The bark of this shrub is gray-brown to gray-white. 

The Chinese Snowball Bush is a beautiful shrub for flowering hedges or shrub borders. It is fully hardy and thrives in sunny or semi-shady locations. It can also be used as a standalone plant to attract attention in small gardens. This shrub creates a beautiful backdrop in the company of lilacs, weigelas, camellias, and hydrangeas in larger gardens. Its flowers can be used in spring bouquets, accompanied by Chinese peonies and irises.