The pros at Garden Design said that if you’re looking for an evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub that is low maintenance, provides attractive foliage, abundant blooms and colour all year, like hydrangeas, “viburnums are the answer”.
They said: “With all of that going for them, it’s not hard to see why they’re one of the best-loved garden shrubs of all time.”
Viburnums bloom with two main types of flower heads: Flat-topped clusters similar to lacecap hydrangeas and rounded snowball types.
Their sometimes fragrant flowers bloom in shades of white, cream, and pink and are usually tubular or salverform (long, thin tube that widens suddenly to a flat-faced flower) in shape.
Viburnums are also prized for their showy ornamental fruits that add colour and interest in winter, and are an important food source for birds. Fruits are usually round or egg-shaped, and may be red, pink, purple, blue or black.
Gardening experts at Outdoor Guide agreed, saying that if you are looking for a plant that is just as beautiful as a hydrangea but slightly easier to take care of, then “go for the viburnum”.
The expert explained: “Viburnum, also known as Chinese snowball or snowball viburnum, is a flowering bush or tree that looks almost identical to a white hydrangea except it’s easier to take care of.
“In fact, the snowball viburnum can grow in soil of any acidity, is more drought-resistant, and does well in full sun (but you can also find varieties that prefer shade).
“Furthermore, snowball viburnums grow larger flower balls than hydrangeas, can get around twice as tall, and have a pleasantly fruity scent with hints of vanilla.”
Speaking to Homes and Gardens, floral expert Stephany Kohley also recommended gardeners grow viburnums. She said, “If you’re looking for a high-quality garden plant that isn’t too demanding, I suggest going for a viburnum instead of hydrangeas.
“Hydrangeas are beautiful but can be high maintenance. Looking ahead to 2026, I think more gardeners will lean toward viburnum.”
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