How to Grow Viburnum Opulus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Viburnum opulus is a plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The leaves are opposite, simple, and 3-5 lobed. The flowers are white and fragrant, and they grow in clusters. The fruit is a red berry.

How to Grow Viburnum Opulus - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • American cranberrybush
  • American guelder-rose
  • European cranberrybush
  • Guelder rose
  • Snowball tree

Things to Know

  • Viburnum opulus is a deciduous shrub that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
  • It is also known as the Guelder-rose, water elder, snowball tree, or cramp bark.
  • The shrub has large, lobed leaves and white flowers that form in large, round clusters.
  • The fruit is a red berry that is poisonous to humans but beloved by birds.
  • Viburnum opulus was introduced to North America in the early 1600s and has since become naturalized in many parts of the continent.
  • The shrub is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family, which also includes elderberry, honeysuckle, and snowberry.
  • Viburnum opulus has many traditional medicinal uses, including for the treatment of cramps, anxiety, and diarrhea.
  • The shrub is also used in traditional magic and folkloric practices.
  • Viburnum opulus is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in hedges, screens, and as a specimen plant.
  • The shrub is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

Planting Process

  1. For viburnum opulus, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. After you have dug the hole, mix some organic matter into the soil that you have removed.
  4. Next, you will need to remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots slightly.
  5. Place the plant in the hole, making sure that the roots are covered with soil.
  6. Once the plant is in the hole, backfill the hole with the soil mixture and water it well.
  7. To keep the plant hydrated, water it daily for the first week.
  8. After the first week, you can water the plant on a weekly basis.
  9. Fertilize the plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Finally, prune the plant annually to encourage new growth.

Related plant:
Arrowwood Viburnum

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, (viburnum opulus) prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils, but it is adaptable to other soil types. It will not tolerate wet, poorly-drained soils. If the soil is too alkaline, it can be amended with the addition of sulfur.

Light condition

Not too different with other viburnums, the American cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus) needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. It's a medium to large deciduous shrub that can reach 15 feet tall and wide, making it a good choice for mixed borders and hedges. The foliage is dark green and glossy, and the branches are covered with clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by edible red berries in fall.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of the Viburnum opulus is cool to cold. This plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. It is also tolerant of heat and can survive in temperatures as high as 35 degrees Celsius.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less, as too much humidity can encourage fungal problems. Viburnum opulus does best in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun if the humidity is low. When the humidity is too high, the leaves of the plant can develop brown spots.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. If you want to give it some, you can use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring. Just be sure not to overdo it. As for the roots, they are relatively deep and fibrous, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with them. Just be sure to water the plant deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.

About light

Pruning your viburnum opulus is important to maintain its shape and size. You should do this in early spring, before the plant begins to produce new growth. First, remove any dead or damaged branches. Then, cut back any overgrown branches to keep the plant within its desired size and shape.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for viburnum opulus is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the outermost portion of the branch. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. After taking the cuttings, remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with a well-drained, sterile potting mix. Place the pot in a location that receives indirect light and keep the soil moist. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is in the range of 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) per year. However, some varieties have been known to grow as much as 50 inches (125 cm) in a year. The plant is fast-growing and can quickly become overgrown if not properly managed.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be treated with fungicides. If you see any of these problems, remove affected leaves and dispose of them. Do not compost them.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your viburnum opulus in an area that receives full sun or partial shade.
  • Viburnum opulus prefers well-drained, moist soil.
  • When planting, make sure to space your viburnum opulus plants at least 6 feet apart.
  • To help retain moisture, consider adding mulch around your plants.
  • Water your viburnum opulus plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilize your plants once a year with a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Prune viburnum opulus plants in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
  • To prevent damage from deer or other animals, consider installing a fence around your plants.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases, and treat accordingly if necessary.
  • Enjoy the beautiful white blooms of your viburnum opulus plants each

Related Plants

  • viburnum carlesii
  • viburnum dentatum
  • viburnum lantana
  • viburnum lentago
  • viburnum bracteatum
  • viburnum betulifolium
  • viburnum acerifolium
  • viburnum dentatum var. lucidum
  • viburnum alnifolium
  • viburnum lasiocarp

Source:
Viburnum opulus - University of California, Berkeley
Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum OR Viburnum opulus …
Species: Viburnum opulus - Cornell University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category