Species neillia
pink flowers with lime-green leaves and stems

neillia

Neillia affinis

Neillia affinis, otherwise known as neillia, is a bushy evergreen shrub native to the Eastern United States and rich in beauty. Its small clusters of tiny white flowers, along with its ovate leaves, give off a strong, sweet scent that can be enjoyed for weeks in the fall. The shrub can grow up to 16 feet tall and 10 feet wide, boasting a perfect canopy shape and attractive pinkish-green twigs that are often seen in winter. Neillia is drought tolerant and thrives in a variety of soil types, making it a great addition to any landscape. While its bright pink and orange berries attract birds and other wildlife, it is the striking texture and aroma that truly make neillia stand out.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Neillia affinis plants, commonly known as Chinese Snowball Viburnum, need regular watering year-round to ensure they remain healthy and thrive. In general, water the plants deeply about twice per week during the warmer months, and 1 to 2 times per month during the winter months. It is important to check the soil moisture before watering and only water your Nellia affinis if the top 1-2 inches of the soil is dry. Water the plants slowly, providing it with about 1 to 2 inches of water until the soil feels damp about 4-5 inches deep. Doing so will ensure the roots are adequately hydrated.

sunlight

Neillia affinis are sun-loving plants that need plenty of light to thrive. They should be exposed to full sun for at least 6 hours each day. In areas with intense sun, it is best to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day such as between noon and 4 pm in the summer. In cooler climates, they can tolerate more sun. If grown indoors, they should be provided with full sun through a south facing window or kept under a grow light.

pruning

Neillia affinis, or olive family neillia, should be pruned in late winter or early spring after the danger of a hard frost has passed. Prune any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and any weak, overcrowded, or straggly branches that are competing for sunlight. At this time, the plant can be thinned to open up the shrub’s form. Make sure to prune no more than 1-third of the growth so that the plant can maintain its vigor. If nellia affinis is left to grow naturally, it can be pruned to shape lightly after flowering in summer.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Neillia affinis typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Neillia affinis typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map