Snowball Viburnum vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) - TreeTime.ca

Snowball Viburnum vs Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)

Catalpa speciosa

Viburnum opulus roseum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree)
Snowball Viburnum

Northern Catalpa is a striking feature tree with showy flowers, and very large leaves. Its orchid-like flowers are white with yellow and purple accents, and they have a pleasant fragrance. They bloom from late spring to early summer and can last up to two weeks, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. The leaves are very large, ranging from 15-30 cm long, 12-20 cm wide, forming a canopy that makes it a good shade tree.

They can tolerate dry conditions as well as standing water, air pollution, and salt. These factors and its beauty contribute to its growing popularity as both a boulevard and ornamental tree in colder areas.

Northern Catalpa produces long bean-like capsules and are sometimes called the Cigar Tree in reference to this fruit.

Snowball Viburnum is a popular ornamental shrub with prolific flowering. This plant is prized for its round clusters of white flowers that resemble snowballs, delighting children and adults. In fall, its leaves turn vibrant shades of red.

Snowball Viburnum is sought after as a single accent shrub, but can also make a dense hedge or privacy screen.

Northern Catalpa (Cigar Tree) Quick Facts

Snowball Viburnum Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3b
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: purplish-red
Bark: gold to gray
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: cigar tree, hardy catalpa, western catalpa
Other Names: european cranberrybush, guelder rose, snowball bush, snowball tree