A garden looks incomplete without stunning blooms, but selecting the plant with the desired bloom is a tough task because we tend to get confused with so many varieties. The confusion gets worse when a choice is to be made between similar plants like snowball bush and hydrangea. Both look so similar in appearance that it's difficult to differentiate between the two. However, the fact is they are different in terms of features and growing conditions. This blog highlights the differences and similarities between snowball bush and hydrangea.
Know More About Snowball Bush
Snowball bushes, also known as Chinese snowball viburnum or Japanese snowball, bloom in spring. The blooms look lime green in the beginning, and then the color changes to white when they fully develop. The size of each cluster of flowers is around 6 to 8 inches in diameter, and the plant grows between 12-20 feet tall. It is suggested to prune it immediately after flowering to give it a shape and remove dead wood. The other details are:
- Botanical Name: Viburnum macrocephalum
- Sunlight requirement: Full sun, partial shade
- Preferred soil type: Moist, well-drained, clay, loamy, sandy
- pH of soil: 5.5-6.5
- Growth: 12-20 feet tall
- USDA Zones: 6–9
Know More About Hydrangea
Hydrangea, also known as Annabelle hydrangea, grows wildly in the Eastern US. Annabella hydrangea belongs to the family of "Smooth Hydrangea". It blooms during spring and even in the fall. The blooms appear to be green in the beginning and then turn white on maturity. The flowering cluster is around 10 inches in diameter. The plants grow up to 4 feet in height and width. The ideal pruning time for these plants is fall, winter, or early spring before the appearance of green growth. While pruning, leave a limb length of 18-24 inches to provide strength to the branches to bear the weight of blooms. The other details are:
- Botanical Name: Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
- Sunlight requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Preferred soil type: Moist and well-drained
- pH of soil: 5.5-6.5
- Growth: 4-5 feet tall
- USDA Zones: 3–9
Similarities And Differences Of Snowball Bush And Hydrangea In A Nutshell
| Criteria | Snowball Bush | Hydrangea |
| Alternate name | Chinese snowball, European snowball, Japanese snowball | Hortensia |
| Maturity height | 12-20 feet tall | 4-5 feet tall |
| Origin | China, Japan, Europe, South America and Africa | Asia, North America and East America |
| Growing zone | 6-9 | 3-9 |
| Sunlight requirement | Full sunlight to partial shade | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil type | Moist and well-drained | Moist and well-drained |
| Watering need | Light watering needed in a week | Watering needed during hot weather |
| Flower color | Develop lime green color and then turn white | It’s white in color |
| Bloom season | May to June | June to September |
| Ideal pruning time | Late spring to early summer | Spring |
| Usage | It is used for landscaping and pollinator gardens. The stems of snowball bushes were used to make arrow by ancient civilizations | It is primarily popular as a wedding flower for decoration. However, it is also used for bordering the landscape. |
Growing Tips For Snowball Bush And Hydrangea
Snowball Bush: Plant snowball bush in an area where it gets full sunlight. It also requires well-drained soil for robust growth. Use mulch to keep the soil moist, and water them once a week. In case of a hot and dry climate, water them more. Fall is the ideal pruning time when petals bloom and die.
Hydrangea: Hydrangea grows well in partial light in well-drained soil. You can use mulch to maintain moisture in the soil, just like a snowball bush. The ideal pruning time is spring, when buds pop up. It's also advisable to trim the dead wood.
Which Plant Is A Better Choice For the Garden: Snowball Bush Or Hydrangea
The choice between snowball bush and hydrangea entirely depends on your personal preference because the distinct features of both plants can prove to be a stunner for the garden. Annabelle is ideal for limited space as it doesn't grow as large as a snowball bush. Hydrangea or Annabelle hydrangea is a better choice for colder regions, whereas the Chinese snowball bush can bear heat as well as humidity.
Conclusion
Snowball bush and hydrangea look alike, and it's important to know about their features for easy identification. However, you can have both in your garden for a stunning look. White blooms of these plants add a pop of calmness in the garden.
