European Cranberry bush

(Viburnum opulus)

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 8 to 12 feet
Spread: 10 to 15 feet
Shape: Bushy

Large, dark green summer foliage turns yellow to red in fall, though not consistently. White flowers in spring produce red fruit in fall.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 3 to 8
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet to moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.3

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, screen, massing, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily. Use plants that have balled and burlapped roots or that have been container grown.
Tolerates wide range of soil pH, types, and moisture conditions.
Fruits best in full sun, but tolerates partial shade.

Care:

Easy to maintain.
Prune 1/3 of the wood after plant flowers every spring. Remove the oldest wood and any weak growth at ground level.

Problems:

Occasionally may need to control problems caused by aphids.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Related species:
VIBURNUM CARLESII (Koreanspice Viburnum) is a small shrub (5 feet). White flowers are fragrant.
VIBURNUM LANTANA (Wayfaringtree Viburnum) is a large shrub (10 to 15 feet) which grows well in dry soil. Berries are attractive to birds.
VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM (Blackhaw Viburnum) is a large shrub (12 to 15 feet, sometimes 20 to 30 feet). Flat clusters of white flowers cover it in spring and are followed by blue-black berries.

Comments:

Viburnums as a group vary in size from 2 to 30 feet in height and spread.
Excellent landscape plants because of their showy flowers and fruit.
An excellent choice for massing in large areas.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-606 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Deciduous Shrubs"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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