Viburnum × carlcephalum (Fragrant Snowball)

Blooming later than most viburnums, Viburnum × carlcephalum (Fragrant Snowball) is a large, rounded, deciduous shrub with dark oval green leaves that turn a beautiful reddish-purple in the fall. In late spring, large rounded snowballs, up to 5 in. across (12 cm), packed with up to 100 pink buds open to delightfully fragrant, pink-tinged white flowers. They are followed by clusters of red berries which ripen black. Hidden by the foliage, the fruits are however not particularly showy.

Blooming later than most viburnums, Viburnum × carlcephalum (Fragrant Snowball) is a large, rounded, deciduous shrub with dark oval green leaves that turn a beautiful reddish-purple in the fall. In late spring, large rounded snowballs, up to 5 in. across (12 cm), packed with up to 100 pink buds open to delightfully fragrant, pink-tinged white flowers. They are followed by clusters of red berries which ripen black. Hidden by the foliage, the fruits are however not particularly showy. Fragrant Snowball is a cross between Viburnum macrocephalum var. keteleeri and Viburnum carlesii. To have the best cross-pollination and fruit display plant in groups rather than as specimens. Perfect for the shrub border, as a flowering hedge or as a handsome specimen.

  • Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm). Vase-shaped when young but maturing rounded
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moderately fertile, humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Some drought tolerance once established.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, makes striking hedges and screens and lovely foundation plantings. Plant your Viburnum near high traffic areas to enjoy its wonderful fragrance.
  • Attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and birds.
  • Low maintenance, this plant has no serious insect or disease problems but watch for leaf spot and aphids.
  • Prune as required immediately after flowering.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
  • Fruit if eaten can cause a mild stomach upset.

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 8

Heat Zones 5
– 8

Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6'
– 10'
(180cm
– 3m)
Spread 6'
– 10'
(180cm
– 3m)
Spacing 72″
– 120″
(180cm
– 300cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden