Japanese snowball is a large deciduous shrub with showy white pom-pom flowers in the Viburnaceae (viburnum) family. It can be grown in various conditions, but prefers a moist loam. Two different forms of this plant are available in commerce. They are the Japanese snowball bush and the Doublefile Viburnum. The main differences between these varieties are as follows: Japanese snowball bush: sterile 2-3" diameter cymes form along the branches showy flowers the flowers are not fragrant no fruits Doublefile Viburnum: fertile flat-topped 2-4" diameter cymes form along tiered horizontal branches non-showy flowers when fertilized, egg shaped fruits and seeds are produced Depending on the variety, the flowers can be showy or non-showy, fragrant or non-fragrant, with or without fruits, and fertile or non-fertile. If pruning is required, it should be done soon after the plant has finished flowering. Next season's blossoms will appear on new growth. This plant is listed as invasive in many parts of the US. Along with other plants that are considered invasive, it competes with native plants for space, water, sunlight and necessary nutrients. It is said that invasive plants also alter native plant communities, which can lead to the degradation of wildlife lands, water quality and possibly even increase the erosion of soils. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious disease or insect issues. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases. More information on Viburnum .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.