Where a pink-white, fragrant blossom blooms in the middle of the cold season, the fragrant winter snowball is responsible for the floral spectacle. Cultivation of the decorative shrub is easier than the atypical flowering time would suggest. These answers to frequently asked questions specify which framework conditions are really important.

Snow, ice and cold cannot harm the beautiful flowers of the winter snowball

Table of Contents

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  1. Plant winter snowballs correctly
  2. care tips
  3. Which location is suitable?
  4. What soil does the plant need?
  5. When is flowering time?
  6. Properly cut winter snowballs
  7. Watering the winter snowball
  8. Fertilize winter snowball properly
  9. Multiply winter snowball
  10. How do I plant correctly?
  11. Winter snowball in the pot
  12. Is winter snowball poisonous?
  13. Beautiful varieties

    14. Plant winter snowballs correctly

    Planting time for scented snowballs in containers is all year round, as long as there is no summer drought or ground frost. Balled goods are preferably planted in the autumn. Prepare the soil in a finely crumbly manner in a sunny to semi-shady location in order to proceed according to this workflow:

    • At a distance of 30-50 cm, dig planting pits with twice the volume of the root ball
    • Put the soil in a wheelbarrow to mix in compost, horn shavings (€32.93) and rock dust (€14.13).
    • Position the potted plant in the middle of the pit in such a way that the previous planting depth is maintained

    After you have filled the cavities with the prepared substrate, continue watering. A mulch layer of leaves, grass clippings or bark mulch keeps the soil moist and warm.

    care tips

    Professional care requires very little, even from a beginner. These aspects really matter:

    • Water the scented snowball moderately without causing waterlogging
    • An organic start fertilization in August/September with compost, horn shavings and rock dust
    • Cut back withered and too long shoots immediately after the end of the flowering period

    Cultivated in a pot, the water and nutrient balance is at a slightly higher level. Always water when the substrate has dried. Apply a mineral-organic compound fertilizer in solid or liquid form in September, which is refreshed in December/January if necessary.
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    Which location is suitable?

    In the sunny location, the winter scented snowball celebrates its most beautiful blossom magic. Partly shaded locations are tolerated; are, however, at the expense of the abundance of flowers. The ornamental tree favors a fresh, nutrient-rich soil with first-class drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is advantageous. Avoid locations with soil that is too wet, as the root system here is susceptible to fungal infections.
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    What soil does the plant need?

    The blossoming winter fairy tale is within reach when the scented snowball finds fresh, humus-rich and nutritious soil. The soil should be well drained with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A little lime is welcome to the ornamental tree. A high-quality compost-based soil is therefore suitable for cultivation in the bucket, which is enriched with fine chippings, lava granules and a little rock dust.

    When is flowering time?

    Mild winter weather motivates the dark pink buds to unfold as early as November. The central flowering period extends from January to March. Enjoy countless, umbrella-shaped, light pink flowers at the end of the branches. Depending on the variety, they give off an intoxicating scent of vanilla or cloves. Since there are hardly any pollinators around at this early flowering time, small, dark blue drupes rarely thrive.

    Properly cut winter snowballs

    The winter scented snowball tolerates pruning well. To keep the magnificent ornamental tree in shape, cut back shoots that are too long immediately after flowering. Place the scissors just above an outward-pointing leaf node to force further branching. At the same time, thin out the bush thoroughly so that it does not bare from the inside. From the fourth year, remove an additional 3-4 of the oldest branches close to the ground. If you keep this measure every 2-3 years, the scented snowball will remain vital and willing to bloom. Please consider the toxin content of shoots, blossoms and leaves during all pruning work. Only go to work if you are equipped with robust gloves.
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    Watering the winter snowball

    An even humidity at a low level; this is how the winter scented snowball likes the environment of its roots. Extreme drought or waterlogging causes growth depression and flowering laziness up to the death of the entire plant. Water the ornamental tree only when the soil has dried well. The watering can is used less often outdoors than in the bucket on the balcony. A short finger test provides information about whether there is actually a need for water.

    Fertilize winter snowball properly

    In nutrient-rich soil, the winter snowball is content with an organic-based nutrient supply. In August/September, work a portion of compost with horn shavings into the surface of the root disc and then water. In the bucket there is a higher need for fertilizer, which you can meet with a mineral-organic complete fertilizer. Provide 4 grams of fertilizer per liter of substrate in September unless the viburnum has recently been transplanted to fresh soil. In the event that deficiency symptoms occur, fertilize with a reduced dose of 2 grams in December/January.

    Multiply winter snowball

    The propagation of snowball snowballs succeeds by type and quickly with top cuttings in summer or sticks in winter. Place the 10-15 cm long offshoots in pots with poor substrate in a semi-shady, sheltered and frost-free location. Watered regularly, vigorous young plants develop, which can be planted out either in spring or autumn.
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    How do I plant correctly?

    A scented snowball doesn't blame you if it has to change location within the first 5 years. In later years, the significant stress could result in growth depression, at least for a time. In the spring - immediately after flowering - is a suitable time for this measure. Please note that the previous planting depth is retained as far as possible. Furthermore, water plentifully and regularly in the following weeks without causing waterlogging.

    Winter snowball in the pot

    Pot cultivation isn't ideal though; After all, the scented winter snowball unfolds its dreamy flair on the balcony and terrace for a few years. As a substrate, we recommend a structurally stable container plant soil, enriched with gravel, lava granules or expanded clay (19.73€) to 20 percent. Coarse gravel on the bottom of the pot effectively prevents waterlogging. Keep the soil slightly moist, as prolonged wetness causes fungal infections and rot. Fertilize the scented snowball at the start of the vegetation period with 4 grams of complete nutrient fertilizer per liter of substrate and water generously. When the winter bloom festival is over, cut back branches that are too long or stunted. From the fourth year, remove an additional 3-4 of the oldest shoots close to the ground to repeat this measure every 2-3 years.

    Is winter snowball poisonous?

    Unfortunately, the scented winter snowball is not suitable for the family garden. All parts of the ornamental tree are poisonous. Although the level of toxicity is low, a scented viburnum should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. For yourself, we recommend wearing gloves, as the ingredients can cause unpleasant skin irritation.
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    Beautiful varieties

    • Dawn: Opulent fragrant snowball with white-pink flowers and a bewitching vanilla scent in the middle of winter; Growth height 200-250 cm
    • Charles Lamont: Boasts large, dark pink panicles from March to April; Growth height up to 300 cm
    • Anne Russel: Robust winter snowball that smells seductively of cloves in March and April; Growth height 100-150 cm

Category:

Vegetable garden