Alphabetical Plant Listing

Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush)

European Cranberrybush,Guelder Rose, Water Elder, Cramp Bark, Snowball Tree, European Cranberry Bush European Cranberry Tree, Marsh Alder, Ople Tree, Red Elder, Rose Elder


Resembling a maple, Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush) is a lovely addition to the landscape, which is prized for its spring foliage color, healthy summer foliage, vibrant fall color, and showy fruits. In late spring to early summer, this multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub produces showy, lacy, white flowers in flat clusters of tiny fertile florets surrounded by an outer ring of larger sterile florets. About 3-5 in. wide (7-12 cm), they are elegantly held above the foliage at the tips of the arching branches. Rich in nectar, they are loved by butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. In late summer, the attractive blooms give way to pendulous clusters of ornamental fleshy, translucent, bright red berries that persist through mid-fall. By winter, they shrivel and resemble dried red raisins. They are quite attractive to birds and wildlife who will happily feast on them. In the fall, the handsome foliage of relatively large, three-lobed, maple-like, coarsely toothed, dark green leaves, turns occasionally bright yellow-red or rich reddish purple. A very rewarding shrub that is not only good-looking but also very tough and easy to grow.

  • Grows up with an upright rounded, spreading habit to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 10-15 ft. wide (300-450 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, striking hedges and screens, and foundation plantings.
  • Attractive to birds and butterflies.
  • Low maintenance, this plant may be affected by aphids, viburnum beetle, and leaf spot.
  • Easily transplanted. Prune to remove the oldest stems.
  • Propagation by cuttings or by seed.
  • Native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Northern Asia.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m)
Spread 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Spacing 144" (360cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United Kingdom
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Viburnum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m)
Spread 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Spacing 144" (360cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United Kingdom
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

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