Japanese snowball

Japanese snowball (Viburnum plicatum) requires moist but well-drained soil with a pH-balance between 6.5 and 7.0. Water the plant deeply once a week when no rainfall occurs. During the hot summer months, you may need to water the plant more frequently, approximately every 3 to 4 days, in order to prevent wilting. Additionally, spray the plant with a water hose in order to provide extra moisture to the foliage. Make sure to check the soil to see if it is damp before providing more water.

Japanese snowball plants require full sun to partial shade exposure. For best flowering, they require 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day in the spring and summer. In more southern regions where the sun is much stronger, they will benefit from some afternoon shade. In more northern climates where the amount of sunlight is less, they can tolerate more sun throughout the day. During the winter months, Japanese snowball plants can tolerate a few hours of afternoon sun but this is not necessary for healthy growth.

Japanese snowball bushes (Viburnum plicatum) should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Since the bush is known for its large clusters of flowers, the goal of pruning should be to maintain an open center to the shrub, so that the flowers will be visible. To do this, thin the branches near the center of the bush so that it has a well-balanced, symmetrical shape. This will also allow in more sunlight and air circulation. To thin the branches, pick out the oldest, largest branches and prune them back to a strong side shoot or bud. Additionally, shorten overgrown branches by cutting them back to the desired shape, usually 1-third to 1-half of their original length. Finally, remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches. Remember to be sure to disinfect your pruning tools before and after use.