The winter snowball, also known as the scented snowball, stands out with its white to pinkish flowers, its upright, large habit and its decorative berries. What does he value in care?
How do I properly care for a winter snowball?
The winter snowball requires evenly moist soil and can only tolerate dryness and wetness to a limited extent. An annual cut after flowering and fertilization with compost if flowering is slow are recommended. Pests such as aphids and whiteflies, as well as diseases such as gray mold, can occur. Wear gloves when caring for the plant as it is poisonous.
When and how is the winter snowball cut?
In general, it is not absolutely necessary to cut the winter snowball. Its growth habit is naturally harmonious. Only if this plant grows too large for you (up to 3 m high and wide), looks decrepit or blooms sparsely, is it urgently advisable to prune it.
But as a precaution, it makes sense to cut it every year. This is worth paying attention to when cutting:
- easy to cut
- radical cuts are also tolerated
- Radical cutting usually results in flower loss (blooms on two-year-old wood)
- ideal cutting time: after flowering
- like to thin out every year
- cut away old branches at the base when thinning out
Does this ornamental shrub need fertilizer every year?
If the winter viburnum is planted in a nutrient-rich substrate, it is not necessary to fertilize it every year and month after month. However, if it becomes lazy to bloom, fertilization is recommended. This is often the case 4 years after planting. You can use compost for fertilization.
To what extent are dryness and wetness tolerated?
It shouldn't be difficult to water the scented snowball when it's dry and hot. Otherwise it weakens because it cannot tolerate dry substrate. It can also only deal with moisture in the root area temporarily. It's best to keep the environment evenly moist and choose well-drained soil when planting!
What pests and diseases weaken it?
In unsuitable locations and in dry conditions, the winter viburnum is so weakened that it is often attacked by aphids, which cause its leaves to become crippled. Strengthen the plant with horsetail broth or nettle manure!
Whiteflies also sometimes appear. Diseases can include gray mold infestation. Leaf spot disease is less common on winter snowballs. With diseases it usually only helps to cut off the affected parts and dispose of them.
Tip
As a precaution, wear gloves during direct handling, such as when cutting! The winter viburnum is poisonous in all parts of the plant and especially in its bark and leaves.
