Snowball Bush Needs

Soil Requirements

• The snowball bush has few soil needs. It is adaptable to most soil types, but does enjoy well-draining, rich soil. For good results, dig in a 2 inch layer of compost into the soil at the planting site before planting the bush.

Sunlight Requirements

• Snowball bushes grow well in full sun to partial shade. Its flowers are more vigorous and plentiful the more sunlight they receive. Those in partial shade still bloom relatively well.

Temperature Requirements

• Most of the original American colonies were in areas with cold winters. Any plant brought over from Europe had to withstand cold temperatures and snowball bushes did. Bushes planted in Southern zones benefit from shade during the hottest part of the day protecting them from high temperatures.

Water Requirements

• Snowball bushes do well when soil is kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged. The plant is drought tolerant and can go several days in hot weather without water.

Necessary Maintenance

• The snowball bush requires little maintenance. Pinching its flowers after they fade keeps the bush tidy, but leaving spent blooms alone does not harm the bush because the plant is sterile and does not produce berries or seed. Cut flowers that are hung to dry make good filler for dry flower arrangements. Snowball bushes need a little pruning every once in awhile to keep their shape and prevent them from becoming too dense and shading themselves during the summer. Prune the plant before leaves appear in spring or right after flowering by cutting branches or twigs up to a Y in the branch. This opens the bush for better air circulation and thins out density. Remove the oldest stems and branches first. Take branches that are too long back to above or below a bud. This allows for more growth and makes the bush look more lush and full.