Viburnum opulus var. americanum (American Cranberrybush)

With four seasons of interest, Viburnum opulus var. americanum (American Cranberrybush) is a dense, rounded, deciduous shrub with upright spreading or arching branches. In spring, it produces showy, lacy, white flowers in flat cymes, 3 in. wide (7 cm), of tiny fertile florets surrounded by an outer ring of larger sterile florets. Rich in nectar, they are loved by butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. In late summer, the attractive blooms give way to drooping clusters of ornamental bright red berries that persist from fall through early winter. Showy when viewed up close or from a short distance, they often persist into winter and are quite attractive to birds and wildlife. Tasty, the fruits can be eaten fresh from the shrub or used to make jams and preserves. In the fall, the elegant foliage of three-lobed, maple-like, dark green leaves turns a brilliant red. A very rewarding shrub that is good-looking, durable, and easy to grow.

• Grows up to 8-12 ft. tall and wide (240-360 cm).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Prefers loams with even moisture but tolerates a wide range of soils and moisture conditions. Drought and clay soil tolerant.
• 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 has no serious insect or disease problems, but watch for occasional aphids, leaf spot, stem blight, and powdery mildew.
• Prune as required immediately after flowering.
• Native to North America.