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Viburnum opulus ‘Xanthocarpum’ (European Cranberrybush)

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

AGM Award
Viburnum Opulus Xanthocarpum,European Cranberrybush 'Xanthocarpum',Guelder Rose 'Xanthocarpum', Water Elder 'Xanthocarpum', Cramp Bark 'Xanthocarpum', Snowball Tree 'Xanthocarpum', Shrub with fall color, fall color, shrub with berries, white flowers, fragrant shrubs
Viburnum Opulus Xanthocarpum,European Cranberrybush 'Xanthocarpum',Guelder Rose 'Xanthocarpum', Water Elder 'Xanthocarpum', Cramp Bark 'Xanthocarpum', Snowball Tree 'Xanthocarpum', Shrub with fall color, fall color, shrub with berries, white flowers, fragrant shrubs

Viburnum opulus ‘Xanthocarpum’ (European Cranberrybush) is a dense, deciduous shrub adorned with glossy apple green, maple-like leaves that turn attractive shades of yellow or pink in the fall. In late spring, creamy-white flowers in flattened clusters 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 early fall, they give way to clusters of ornamental, translucent, bright golden-yellow berries, which will persist if not eaten by the birds. Lovely addition to the landscape with a long season of interest.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 6-8 ft. tall and wide (180-240 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or in shrub borders, 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.
  • Prune after flowering, unless fruit is required.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
  • Viburnum opulus species is 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.

Viburnum: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for Viburnum like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking shrubs.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 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 Adoxaceae
Genus Viburnum
Common names Viburnum, Snowball Tree, Guelder Rose, Cramp Bark
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 72" - 96"
(180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Viburnum opulus ‘Nanum’ (European Cranberrybush)
Viburnum odoratissimum (Sweet Viburnum)
Viburnum farreri (Farrer Viburnum)
Viburnum setigerum (Tea Viburnum)
Viburnum ‘Pragense’ (Prague Viburnum)
Viburnum macrocephalum (Chinese Snowball Viburnum)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lavender in the Garden
Paeonia (Peonies)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Viburnum – What Is Wrong With My Shrub?
Viburnum – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Viburnum: How to Grow and Care with Success
10 Creative Ways to Incorporate Viburnum in Your Garden
Why You Should Avoid Growing Invasive Viburnums
Native Viburnums: Ideal Shrubs for Your Garden
Viburnum
Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Shrubs and Trees with Colorful Fruits and Berries in Winter
Native Plant Alternatives to Viburnum opulus (European Cranberrybush)
Native Plant Alternatives to Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball)
Native Plant Alternatives to Viburnum dilatatum (Linden Viburnum)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 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 Adoxaceae
Genus Viburnum
Common names Viburnum, Snowball Tree, Guelder Rose, Cramp Bark
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spacing 72" - 96"
(180cm - 240cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Viburnum
Not sure which Viburnum to pick?
Compare Now

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