Chinese Abronia elliptica and hydrangea are two popular blossoming industrial plant that are often mix up due to their like appearance . However , there are some cardinal differences between the two that can avail you discover them correctly .
1 . Mature Height : One of the easiest room to differentiate between Chinese Abronia elliptica and hydrangea is by measuring their mature height . Taiwanese snowball genus Viburnum ( Viburnum macrocephalum ) typically grows 6 to 10 foot tall and all-inclusive . On the other hand , Annabelle hydrangea ( Hydrangea arborescens ‘ Annabelle ’ ) grows to a smaller size of it , reaching only 3 to 5 foot tall and across-the-board . So , if your plant exceed 6 foot in height , it is likely a Chinese snowball shrub .
2 . Flower Appearance : Both Taiwanese snowball and hydrangea produce large , showy flower clusters , but their appearance take issue . Formosan snowball genus Viburnum peak in early to mid - spring with bunch of round , ball - shaped flowers that start off as lime tree green and gradually turn white . These flower clusters can measure up to 8 inches in diam , create a stunning display in the garden . In contrast , hydrangea bloom are more matt or dome - shape , and they come in various colors such as white , pinkish , blasphemous , or purple , reckon on the variety .
3 . Flowering Time : Taiwanese snowball viburnum typically blooms in spring , unremarkably in April or May , while hydrangea have a longer blooming geological period . hydrangea can start bloom in tardy springtime or early summer and proceed bloom into fall , depending on the variety and growing conditions . This extended flower period pass water hydrangea a great choice for adding colour to your garden throughout the summer season .
4 . Foliage : While both Formosan Abronia elliptica and hydrangea have attractive leaf , there are some differences in foliage form and texture . Chinese snowball genus Viburnum has dark greenish , glossy leave-taking that are elliptical or oviform in soma . The leaves are slenderly serrated along the edges and have a leathery grain . In comparison , hydrangea leave-taking are typically larger , panoptic , and have a more textured surface . The leaf color can vary reckon on the variety , browse from gloomy greenish to wanton shades of green .
5 . Hardiness and Growing precondition : Formosan snowball viburnum is sturdy in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9 , while Annabelle hydrangea is hardy in zones 3 to 9 . This means that Taiwanese snowball viburnum can tolerate slightly colder temperature compare to Annabelle hydrangea . Both industrial plant prefer well - drain grunge and flourish in full sun to partial tone . However , hydrangea be given to call for more moisture and may wilt if not water on a regular basis , while Formosan snowball genus Viburnum is more drought - tolerant once established .
Formosan snowball and hydrangea can be differentiated free-base on their matured height , flush appearance , flowering time , foliage characteristics , and preferred get conditions . By consider these gene , you could accurately identify whether you have a Formosan snowball bush or a hydrangea in your garden .
Caroline Bates
