Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cranberry viburnum is a North American native shrub that produces white flowers in late spring, followed by abundant, bright red fruits in fall. An excellent choice for both ornamental and wildlife gardens, this deciduous shrub is relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow.

Popular name

• American cranberry bush
  
• European cranberry bush
  
• Mountain cranberry bush
  
• Northern cranberry bush
  
• Southern cranberry bush

Basic info

• Cranberry viburnum is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
  
• It grows in moist, acidic soils in full sun to partial shade.
  
• The shrub has dark green, glossy leaves and clusters of white flowers that bloom in late spring.
  
• The berries are red and ripen in late summer.
  
• Cranberry viburnum is a food source for several species of birds and other animals.
  
• The shrub is also used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
  
• Cranberry viburnum is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and scale.
  
• It is considered to be a low-maintenance plant.
  
• Cranberry viburnum can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division.
  
• The shrub has no serious insect or disease problems and is relatively pest-free.

Related plant:
European Cranberry Bush

How to Grow

1. For cranberry viburnum, first step is always choosing the right location. It should be in an area with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. If you have clay soil, mix in some sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
   
2. Next, remove any weeds and grass in the area where you will be planting.
   
3. Since cranberry viburnum is a shrub, you will need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
   
4. Once the hole is dug, place the root ball in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
5. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
   
6. Cranberry viburnum does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the hole at planting time if desired.
   
7. To encourage bushier growth, you can prune cranberry viburnum in late winter or early spring.
   
8. This shrub is generally disease and pest resistant, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid climates.
   
9. Cranberry viburnum blooms in late spring with white or pink flowers.
   
10. The berries that follow are not edible by humans, but they are a favorite of birds.

Related plant:
High Bush Cranberry

The Soil

About soil condition, cranberry viburnum prefers acidic, humus-rich soil, although it is tolerant of other soil types. This shrub also grows best in partial shade or full sun, although it can tolerate some shade.

Light requirement

Not too different with other viburnum, the cranberry viburnum (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) is a shrub that grows best in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil and is adaptable to most soil types. This shrub is a deciduous plant, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall, and its flowers will bloom in the spring. The cranberry viburnum has white flowers and red berries, hence its name. This shrub is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping because it is low-maintenance and easy to care for.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of cranberry viburnum is quite important. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from full sun to partial shade, but the ideal temperature range for optimum growth is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the plant may experience stunted growth or even die. However, if the temperature rises above 80 degrees, the plant may become stressed and stop producing fruit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. The plant will not thrive in an environment that is either too wet or too dry. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity in the room where the plant is kept. If the humidity drops below 50%, use a humidifier to raise the level. If the humidity exceeds 50%, increase ventilation or move the plant to a drier location.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant does well with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. The amount of fertilizer needed depends on the age and size of the plant. For example, a 1-gallon potted plant would need 1/4 teaspoon of fertilizer, while a mature plant would need 1 tablespoon. Best results are seen when fertilizer is applied in the spring and summer. The root systems of these plants are generally deep and spreading, making them quite drought tolerant. They are also tolerant of a wide range of soils, including heavy clay. However, they prefer a soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a crucial step in keeping your cranberry viburnum healthy and looking its best. This shrub can be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. First, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, thin out the shrub by removing any overcrowded or crossed branches. Finally, cut back any remaining branches by one-third to one-half their length.

About Propagating

Propagation of cranberry viburnum is typically done through rooting of softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. They should be placed in a moist growing medium and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cuttings should be kept at a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit and monitored for rooting. Once roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into pots or the landscape.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, however it can vary based on the species. For example, the cranberry bush grows quickly when young, but slows down as it matures. Cranberry trees grow at a moderate rate.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew looks like a powdery white coating on the leaves, while leaf spot appears as small brown spots. Root rot is a serious problem that can kill the plant. To prevent these problems, make sure to plant in well-drained soil and in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. Water the plant at the base, not from above, and prune any dead or diseased leaves or branches.

List to Know

• Remember to water your cranberry viburnum regularly, as it is a thirsty plant.
  
• fertilize your plant regularly to keep it healthy and encourage new growth.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to keep it tidy and encourage new growth.
  
• Cranberry viburnum prefers full sun to partial shade, so be sure to plant it in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.
  
• This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
  
• Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, as cranberry viburnum is susceptible to both. Treat any problems promptly to prevent further damage.
  
• Cranberry viburnum can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
  
• This plant can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including as a hedge, accent plant, or foundation plant.
  

Related Plants

• Cranberry tree
  
• American cranberry bush
  
• American cranberry
  
• Algerian ivy
  
• Bearberry
  
• American cranberrybush
  
• American clearweed
  
• American cranberrybog
  
• American cranberrybush viburnum
  
• American cranberrywood

Source:
Viburnum edule | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
American Cranberry or Highbush Cranberry? - University of Missouri
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Search Results