Snowball Bush is Similar to Annabelle Hydrangea, but They Belong to Different Families

The bright white snowball looking blooms of a Snowball bush (thus it's name), resembles the Annabelle hydrangea blossoms so much it is no wonder that people often get the two mixed up. Both are beautiful deciduous plants that are relatively easy to grow. They are excellent to use as borders, in a yard or garden area. Their large white cluster of blooms makes them a great addition to any cut flower arrangement. Planting either one alongside an assortment of colorful azaleas adds a complimenting contrast to a rather dull area in any yard.

Snowball Bush (viburnum opulus)

When the huge white snowballs of the Snowball bush bloom, they make a stunning contrast against the plants dark green leaves, which will develop subtle colors of red or purple in the fall months. The stems are woody and its leaves have jagged edges. Besides the gorgeous snowball blossoms, the plant produces a fruit that attracts an assortment of birds, another plus. It makes an excellent informal hedge. It likes full or partial sun, blooms in late spring, can grow to a height of fifteen feet, is hardy in zones four to eight, and is deer resistant. It prefers good, well-drained soil and is salt and drought tolerant. After planting, add a thick layer of mulch to help the ground around the bush retain water and cut down on weeds.

Annabelle Hydrangea (hydrangea arborescens)

One of the more popular hydrangeas, Annabelle's flower balls bloom from mid to late summer and can grow up to twelve inches across. Supported on strong fleshy stems, the flowers can last two or more months if the climate is cool. Unlike the Snowball bush, the leaves of the Annabelle hydrangea have smooth edges. It can grow up to five feet tall and five feet wide, prefers full sun but does well in partial shade, is hardy in zones three to nine, and likes soil that is kept moist and contains a little sand and clay. It tolerates deer and rabbits and does not mind heat and humidity, even though it appears to wilt in very hot weather. Although white is its most popular color it also comes in luscious shades of green and cream.

Both the Snowball bush and Annabelle hydrangea should be pruned in winter or early spring.

Sources: Michigan Bulb Co., Amazon