How to Grow Viburnum Opulus Compactum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Viburnum opulus compactum is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3-6 feet tall and wide. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping due to its showy flowers and berries. The flowers are white and borne in clusters, while the berries are red and borne in clusters.

How to Grow Viburnum Opulus Compactum - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Viburnum opulus 'Compactum'
  • Viburnum opulus 'Nanum'
  • Viburnum opulus 'Pygmaeum'
  • Viburnum opulus 'zieberi'
  • Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn'

Basic info

  • Viburnum opulus compactum is a shrub that is native to Europe.
  • It is also known as 'European cranberry bush'.
  • The shrub has a compact, rounded habit and can grow to a height of 2-3 m (6-8 ft).
  • The leaves are opposite, simple, and lobed with serrated margins. They are 15-20 cm (9-9 in) long and 10-12 cm (9-7 in) wide.
  • The flowers are white, 5-petalled, and borne in clusters. They appear in mid-spring.
  • The fruit is a red, berry-like drupe, 10-12 mm (0.39-0.47 in) in diameter.
  • Viburnum opulus compactum is tolerant of a range of soils and exposures.
  • It is generally pest and disease free.
  • The shrub can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

How to Grow

  1. For viburnum opulus compactum, first step is to find a plant that is already grown and healthy.
  2. Next, get a pot that is big enough for the plant and has drainage holes.
  3. Fill the pot with potting mix or soil that is rich in organic matter.
  4. Plant the viburnum opulus compactum in the pot and make sure that the root ball is covered with soil.
  5. Water the plant well and keep the soil moist but not wet.
  6. Place the pot in a spot that gets bright indirect light.
  7. fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
  8. Prune the plant as needed to keep it compact and tidy.
  9. Watch for pests and diseases and treat them as needed.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful plant!

Related plant:
Viburnum Eskimo

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, (Viburnum opulus compactum) prefers rich, organic soils that are well-drained, but it is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions including heavy clay. It also prefers full sun to partial shade, but it is tolerant of full shade as well.

Light condition

So, like the other viburnums, the compactum variety requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. It can tolerate a wide range of soils as long as the ground is well-drained, and itÂ’s even tolerant of clay. This shrub is also salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Viburnum opulus compactum is optimum at around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can survive in a range of temperatures, from 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to keep the plant in an environment that is not too hot or too cold, as this can damage the leaves and flowers.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. The plant does best in bright indirect sunlight but can also tolerate partial sun. It is a good plant for beginners as it is very easy to care for.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need much. A light feeding in the spring is all that is necessary. If you want to use a fertilizer, use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. As for the roots, they are fine as long as they are not root-bound.

Light requirement

Pruning viburnum opulus compactum is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It is a good idea to prune out any dead or diseased wood, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. You can also prune to shape the plant, or to reduce its size if necessary.

About Propagating

Propagation is by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. The best time to take the cuttings is when the plant is beginning to put on new growth. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings can be rooted in a pot of sand or peat moss. The pot should be kept moist and in a location that has bright, indirect light. After the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into pots or into the ground.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 foot per year. However, some plants may grow more quickly, while others may grow more slowly. The specific growth rate of your plant will depend on several factors, including the type of soil it is grown in, the amount of sunlight it receives, and the amount of water it gets.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. These can all be treated with fungicides. However, it is best to prevent these problems from occurring in the first place by keeping the plant healthy and stress-free.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing viburnum opulus compactum in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes.
  • Water regularly, giving the plant enough water to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  • Feed every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Place the plant in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
  • Prune annually to shape and encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if needed.
  • Cut off any dead or dying branches as soon as possible.
  • Gently tie up any long, leggy branches to encourage compact growth.
  • Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Keep an eye on the plant and enjoy its lush growth!

Substitution

  • VIBurnum opulus var. opulus
  • VIBurnum opulus subsp. trilobum
  • VIBurnum opulus subsp. Americanum
  • VIBurnum opulus ferox
  • VIBurnum opulus var. America

Source:
Viburnum opulus - Southern Cross University - SCU
Viburnum opulus - plantfacts.osu.edu
A Winter Beauty: Viburnum opulus | Arnold Arboretum

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category