Viburnum—or “Snowball Bush” as many of us call it—is such a classic garden staple. With so many beautiful varieties to choose from, there’s definitely a spot for one in your backyard! To get yours off to a great start, let’s talk about the best time to get them in the ground and a few pro tips for success.
When to Plant Your Snowball Bush
Both spring and fall are fantastic times to plant a new Viburnum. If you want to be strategic, a good rule of thumb is to plant right after your chosen variety’s typical blooming season. This gives the shrub plenty of time to establish a strong root system before it has to focus on flowering again. But don’t sweat it too much—as long as the ground isn’t frozen, these hardy shrubs are pretty forgiving.
To make sure your new addition thrives, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Pick a spot with full sun to partial shade (check out our location guide here).
- They love moist soil, so make sure they get plenty of water.
- Give them room to breathe! A good rule of thumb is to space them apart by at least half of their expected mature width.
Planting Viburnum in Containers
If you’re short on space, you can actually plant Viburnum in pots year-round, provided the weather is frost-free. If you’re in the middle of a freezing winter, it’s best to wait until spring so those young, tender roots don’t get damaged by the cold.
One thing to remember: even with regular fertilizing, potting soil eventually loses its “oomph.” Plan on refreshing the soil about every three years to keep your container-grown Snowball healthy and vibrant.
Timing for Propagation
Looking to grow your collection for free? You can easily start new plants through propagation. The best time to plant depends on which method you choose:
- Softwood cuttings
- Root suckers (runners)
Planting Cuttings at the Right Time
Summer is the sweet spot for taking cuttings, especially when temps are between 70°F and 85°F. You’ll want to keep your new little starts out of direct sunlight so they don’t dry out before they can root. For the best results, start them in a sheltered “nursery” spot before moving them to their permanent home.
Best Time for Root Suckers
Some varieties are great at sending out “pups” or root suckers, which makes propagation a breeze. The best time to tackle this is in the spring. Just use a clean pair of garden shears to snip the runner and transplant it wherever you’d like. Since Viburnums are thirsty plants, be extra diligent about watering during those first few weeks while the new plant gets settled.
