Viburnum macrocephalum, commonly known as Chinese Snowball, is a deciduous shrub native to the mainland of China, specifically to the forest margins and open woodlands where it thrives in a variety of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It typically grows to a height and width of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters), featuring a rounded form with dense foliage. The shrub is renowned for its large, showy, globular flower clusters that resemble snowballs, starting out green and then turning to a brilliant white as they mature. These flowers bloom profusely in the spring and may have a less significant repeat bloom in the summer.

Chinese Snowball is valued for its spectacular floral display and is often used in residential landscapes for ornamental purposes, including foundation plantings, mixed borders, and as a specimen plant. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only medium amounts of water and thriving in both full sun and part shade. While it prefers soils with medium drainage, it is adaptable to various soil conditions. Gardeners should be aware that while it is generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from viburnum leaf beetle infestations. Pruning is rarely needed but can be done to maintain shape and size.CC BY-SA 4.0