How to Grow a Snowball Tree

A snowball tree is actually a large shrub that reaches up to 15 feet in height. The tree gets its name from the 3-inch-wide to 8-inch-wide ball-shaped flower formations. The flowers bloom in spring and last throughout the growing season, and some varieties of the snowball tree keep their foliage into winter. Chinese snowball plants are larger than common snowball plants, and Chinese snowball plants have a second bloom in the fall. Both varieties are low maintenance.

Mulch
Granulated fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Plant the common snowball tree in full sun, which is eight hours daily. Plant the Chinese snowball in full to partial sun, which is between six and eight hours daily. The soil in the planting site should be well draining, but moist, alkaline and fertile.
- 2
  Lay a 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to keep down weeds and help the soil maintain its moisture level. The mulch can be wood or bark chips, straw or shredded leaves. Avoid pine needles because they raise the acidity level of the soil.
- 3
  Apply a granulated fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant each spring, before the plant sets flowers. Follow package directions for application, and water the granules into the soil.
- 4
  Water frequently enough to keep the soil moist. The exact frequency depends on your climate.
- 5
  Prune only if necessary for controlling the size of the plant. Use sharp shears and prune in the fall, after the plant drops the flowers.

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