The Natural Reproduction of Honeysuckle Snowball Bushes

Propagation Method

• Many plants propagate naturally with the use of suckers. Suckers are small young plants that start to sprout from the nodes on the horizontal roots of the parent plant. These suckers gradually grow larger and increase the width of the plant such as in the case of viburnums like the snowball bush. These suckers may be detached from the parent plant and planted elsewhere in the landscape.

Planting Suckers

• To propagate a new snowball bush using suckers, first make sure that the sucker is well established and has adequate roots to survive on its own. Prepared a planting site for the new plants in the landscape or in a medium-sized pot. Use a sharp spade to dig around the sucker and then sever the roots from the mother plant. Try to retain as much of the original soil around the sucker roots as possible. Plant in the new site and keep plants well watered until established.

Growth Conditions

• Plant the snowball bush in an area of full to partial sun for best growth. Make sure the soil is moist, well-drained and moderately fertile. However, the shrub also adapts well to poor quality soils. Like all members of the honeysuckle family, the snowball bush is highly prone to ant and aphid infestations in spring and early summer. Control these in the early stages as these tend to become unsightly. The pests do not cause heavy damage to the plant.

Form

• The young snowball bush has an upright, straight form that starts to arch upon maturity. The grooved, medium green colored stems turn brown in winter. The flat topped, 3-inch diameter flowers appear during late May and early June. The 3-inches-wide and equally wide, dark green, opposite leaves are ovate. The flowers are followed by dark red fruit clusters that invite wildlife and birds to the trees.