Snowball Viburnum vs Showy Milkweed - TreeTime.ca

Snowball Viburnum vs Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Viburnum opulus Roseum

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Showy Milkweed
Snowball Viburnum

Showy Milkweed is a native perennial wildflower known for its fragrant clusters of pink to purple, star-shaped flowers. It is an essential plant for Monarch butterflies, acting as a critical host plant for caterpillars and a nectar source for adults. Blooming from early to mid-summer, these flowers also supply nectar to many other pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.

Ideal for butterfly conservation, pollinator gardens, and naturalization projects, Showy Milkweed thrives in a wide range of soils, including dry and rocky ground. While it spreads via underground rhizomes to form colonies, it is much less aggressive than Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).

Note: All parts of the plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides, especially the milky sap. Do not ingest any part of the plant and prevent sap from contacting skin or eyes. Toxic to humans, pets, and livestock.

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.

Showy Milkweed Quick Facts

Snowball Viburnum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3b
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, clump forming
Spreading: rhizomes - high, seeds - high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: toxic to pets, livestock, and humans if ingested, can cause skin and eye irritation.

Fall colour: purplish-red
Bark: gold to gray
Flowers: purplish-pink clusters
Flowers: white
Bloom time: early to mid summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, MB, YT
Other Names: european cranberrybush, guelder rose, snowball bush, snowball tree