The snowflake bush is a rarity for any garden. If the snowflake bush gets the right care, many fluffy white flowers appear.
The snowflake bush (Chionanthus virginicus) is a rarity for any garden. The plant takes its time with its sprouting. From May onwards, however, the delicate flowers appear all the more impressive, appearing in their clusters as fluffy as snowflakes. Depending on the culture, the plant can grow like a shrub or develop into a small tree.
Origin and characteristics
The genus Chionanthus includes about 100 different species, almost all of which are native to the tropics and subtropics of Africa and America. The Virginian Snowflake Tree is an exception and is found in the northern United States. The natural range of the plant extends between Texas and Pennsylvania. The snowflake bush grows increasingly on river banks.
Chionanthus should not be confused with Chimonanthus. The similar-sounding tree is often called the snowflake bush. The actual name of the yellow winter bloomer is Chinese winter bloom.
» Tip: In folk medicine, a decoction made from the bark of the snowflake bush is used to treat fever or diarrhea.
| Snowflake bush (Chionanthus virginicus) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 10 - 25 cm a year |
| Growth: | 250 - 350 cm |
| Growth: | 150 - 250 cm |
| Root system: | Shallow roots |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | moist, sandy, slightly acidic, loamy, pH 6-6.5 |
Location and Ground
A sunny and light location should be found for the snowflake bush. Dry air and dry soil are less compatible for the plant. The shoots mature faster in a rather dry location.
Planting in the shade of evergreen trees can be recommended. The plants are protected from cold winds and expressively show off their flowers. can aprotected stand, the snowflake bush also thrives in a larger bucket.
The ideal substrate is loose and permeable. A heavy clay soil should be mixed with sand to make it more permeable. A high proportion of humus is preferred. However, the plant does not tolerate alkaline soil. Therefore, make sure that the pH value is in the neutral range at most.
Plant snowflake bush
The snowflake shrub is commercially available as a container plant. Planting is possible all year round as long as there is no ground frost. The planting in spring is preferred. This will give the plants enough time to root well before the next winter.
Planting a snowflake bush - step by step
- Set Location
- Clean the floor and prepare it if necessary
- Pot the snowflake bush
- Water the root ball
- Dig the planting hole (twice the circumference of the root ball)
- Insert snowflake bush
- Fill substrate
- Press the earth well
- Water the snowflake bush well
Snowflake Bush Care
Young plants have an increased need for nutrients and should be watered regularly. If mature compost is added when planting, the snowflake bush does not need to be fertilized.
Snowflake bush - popular varieties
When choosing the right plant, you can choose from a variety of varieties.
| Variety | Special feature |
| Spring Fleecing | can grow up to six meters high forms only male flowers |
| Groenendaal | slow growth lush flowers comes from Belgium |
| Floyd | dense and upright habit forms only male flowers was found by chance in Illinois |
Pruning snowflake bush
We do not recommend cutting measures. The snowflake bush grows most beautifully naturally. A pruning may be necessary for fast-growing varieties. This is tolerated by the bushes and should be done in spring before they sprout. Since the plant sprouts remarkably late, you can wait until there is no more frost.
Propagate snowflake bush
The Snowflake Bush can be propagated by seed. However, the seeds require a pre-treatment in order to trigger germinationwill. First, the seeds are kept warm for three months, after which they are stored in the refrigerator for the same period. Sow under glass.
» Tip: In nurseries, the snowflake bush is propagated by cuttings that are cut in summer.
Diseases and Pests
Diseases and pests hardly ever occur on the snowflake bush. Recently, there have been increasing suspicions that the plants are susceptible to ash dieback.
Snowflake bush in winter
Young plants are sensitive to frost. Fleece protection helps the snowflake bush through the cold season. If the plants are well rooted and several years old, the snowflake bush can withstand temperatures down to -28 degrees.