Bodnant viburnum and Japanese snowball are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, specimen, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Viburnum × bodnantense 2.5 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
An upright deciduous shrub 2 to 3 m tall that carries strongly scented pink flowers on bare branches from late autumn to early spring, when little…
Viburnum plicatum 2.5 m × 3 m after 10 years
A broad, spreading deciduous shrub with horizontal, tiered branches that are lined with two rows of white flowers in late spring: the lacecap forms…
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Feature
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Bodnant viburnum
|
Japanese snowball
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 1.5 m | 2.5 m × 3 m |
| Ultimate size | 2–3 m × 1.2–2 m | 1.5–4.5 m × 1.5–5.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | November–April, pink, white | April–June, white, pink |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 250 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Mildly toxic | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €27 | approx. €25 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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