Keteleeria Viburnum, Chinese Snowball

viburnum macrocephalum

Also known as: ["Chinese Snowball Viburnum","Keteleeria Viburnum"]

Family: Adoxaceae Genus: Viburnum Category: Flowers

Overview

A deciduous shrub known for its large, showy clusters of white flowers that resemble snowballs, blooming in spring.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Adoxaceae
Genus: Viburnum
Botanical Name: Viburnum macrocephalum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden border or as a specimen plant in a mixed shrubbery
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if indoor humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate clay if amended.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil fertility); root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct midday sun indoors.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and weather.

Soil

well-drained, fertile loam with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture levels.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; tolerates temperatures between -20°F and 90°F; prefers cool winters and moderate summers.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

monthly during spring and summer, every 2 months in fall and winter

Fertilize in spring before new growth; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing stressed plants.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%); indirect light; consistent warmth (65–75°F).

Medium

Peat and perlite mix or sterile potting soil with good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading cuts to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Shape the plant; encourage bushier growth; remove dead or diseased wood.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay amendments.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Stunted growth; leaf discoloration; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; move potted plants to sheltered areas.

Hot Stress

Wilting; leaf scorch; reduced flowering; increased water demand.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mist foliage during extreme heat.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check soil nutrients; apply fertilizer in spring; water after fertilizing; monitor for signs of over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce or stop in late summer/autumn.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Viburnum macrocephalum can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Viburnum macrocephalum is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, which can lead to root damage and reduced vigor.

Leaf spots on Viburnum macrocephalum are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and aesthetic damage to the foliage.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Viburnum macrocephalum due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and potential death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Viburnum macrocephalum is not considered toxic to cats. The berries are not known to cause significant harm when ingested by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your cat if they consume any part of the plant, but serious toxicity is unlikely.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Viburnum macrocephalum is not considered toxic to dogs. The berries are not known to cause significant harm when ingested by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume any part of the plant, but serious toxicity is unlikely.
Humans
Non-toxic

Viburnum macrocephalum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The berries, while not palatable, do not typically cause adverse effects when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is advisable to avoid consuming plant parts as they may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I prune Viburnum macrocephalum?

A: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth for the following year's blooms.

Q: Does Viburnum macrocephalum attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers and berries.

Q: Is Viburnum macrocephalum toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Quick Reference
Family: Adoxaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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