Snowball viburnum bushes can indeed bloom twice in a year. This may come as a surprise to many, as the typical blooming period for snowball viburnums is in the spring. However, there is a variety called Viburnum macrocephalum f. keteleeri that has the ability to produce a second round of blooms.
The second flowering of the snowball viburnum usually occurs in late summer or early fall, adding a delightful surprise to your garden when many other plants have finished blooming. This secondary bloom is particularly unique because it showcases a different form known as a “lacecap” appearance.
The lacecap form of snowball viburnum flowers is characterized by having sterile florets on the outer edge and fertile florets in the center. This creates a beautiful contrast and adds an extra layer of visual interest to your garden. The sterile florets often resemble delicate lace, hence the name.
The fertile florets in the center of the lacecap flowers are capable of producing seeds, allowing for potential propagation of the snowball viburnum. This means that even after the second bloom, there is still a chance for the plant to spread and continue its growth.
It’s worth noting that not all snowball viburnum bushes are capable of blooming twice in a year. This unique characteristic is specific to the Viburnum macrocephalum f. keteleeri variety. Therefore, if you are interested in having a snowball viburnum that blooms twice, it’s important to choose the right variety when selecting your plants.
In my personal experience, witnessing the second blooming of a snowball viburnum was truly a delightful surprise. I had initially planted the bush for its spring blooms, but when I noticed new flowers forming in late summer, I was thrilled. The lacecap appearance of the second blooms added a touch of elegance to my garden and extended the beauty of the snowball viburnum throughout the year.
To summarize, while most snowball viburnum bushes bloom in the spring, the Viburnum macrocephalum f. keteleeri variety has the ability to produce a second round of blooms in late summer or early fall. These second blooms showcase a lacecap form, with sterile florets on the outer edge and fertile florets in the center. This unique characteristic adds an extra layer of beauty and visual interest to your garden, making the snowball viburnum a truly remarkable plant.