Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush)

Resembling a maple, Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush) is a lovely addition to the landscape. It 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 attract 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 occasionally turns 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.