Snowball Viburnum vs Smooth Aster - TreeTime.ca

Snowball Viburnum vs Smooth Aster

Symphyotrichum laeve

Viburnum opulus roseum

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Smooth Aster
Snowball Viburnum

Smooth Aster is a native perennial wildflower known for its violet-blue, daisy-like flowers. They bloom later in the season, from late summer to early fall. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It also serves as a host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) butterflies, further enhancing its ecological value. This easy-to-grow wildflower is well suited for native wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalization projects.

The Smooth Aster’s non-aggressive root system allows it to spread slowly, and it is more likely to reproduce by seed, which can be controlled through deadheading. As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

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.

Smooth Aster Quick Facts

Snowball Viburnum Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: purplish-red
Flowers: purplish-blue; daisy-like
Flowers: white
Bark: gold to gray
Growth rate: very fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low




Other Names: glaucous aster, smooth blue aster
Other Names: european cranberrybush, guelder rose, snowball bush, snowball tree