How to Grow Viburnum Opulus Roseum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Viburnum opulus roseum is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae, native to Europe and northern Asia. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall and wide, with three-lobed leaves and flat-topped clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by red berries.

How to Grow Viburnum Opulus Roseum - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • American Cranberrybush
  • European Cranberrybush
  • Guelder Rose
  • Highbush Cranberry
  • Snowball Tree

Basic info

  • Viburnum opulus roseum is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae.
  • It is native to Europe, Asia and North America.
  • It is a deciduous shrub growing to 4–5 m (13–16 ft) tall.
  • The leaves are opposite, simple, palmately lobed, 3–10 cm (2–9 in) broad, with a rounded to cordate base and an apiculate apex.
  • The flowers are produced in corymbs 5–15 cm (0–9 in) across, each flower white, with five petals joined only at the base, and numerous stamens.
  • The fruit is a dark blue drupe 3–4 cm (2–6 in) diameter.
  • The plant is often confused with the closely related Viburnum lantana, which differs in having dark brownish-purple to black drupes.
  • Viburnum opulus roseum is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions.
  • It is grown as a standard in the United Kingdom.
  • The cultivar 'Roseum' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

Planting Process

  1. For viburnum opulus roseum, first step is to choose a location that receives full sun to partial sun.
  2. Prepare the chosen location by clearing away any debris and loosening the topsoil.
  3. Choose a pot or container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep.
  4. Fill the pot or container with a high-quality potting mix.
  5. Water the potting mix thoroughly before planting.
  6. Place the root ball of the viburnum opulus roseum in the center of the pot or container.
  7. Fill in around the root ball with the potting mix, tamping down gently as you go.
  8. Water the plant again after planting.
  9. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  10. Keep the soil moist but not soggy throughout the growing season.

Related plant:
Viburnum Carlesii

The Soil

About soil condition, (viburnum opulus roseum) prefers rich, well-drained soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils as long as they are not waterlogged. It grows best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade.

Light condition

Not too different with other viburnum species, the American cranberrybush (Viburnum opulusL.) should be planted in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral. The shrub will tolerate some shade, but flowering and fruit production may be reduced. Ample sun is needed for the formation of the showy fruits.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the environment is an important factor to consider when growing the Viburnum opulus roseum. This plant prefers cool to cold temperatures and will not tolerate prolonged periods of heat. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the plant will begin to wilt and the flowers will start to fade. If the temperature gets too cold, the plant will become dormant and the leaves will fall off.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%, meaning that the air around the plant should be neither too dry nor too wet. If the air is too dry, the leaves will begin to turn brown and crisp. If the air is too wet, the leaves will start to rot.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant gets all the essential nutrients from the soil in which it is grown. However, if the soil is lacking in any of these nutrients, the plant will not be able to grow to its fullest potential. Viburnum opulus roseum, or guelder-rose, is a perfect example of a plant that responds well to fertilizer. This plant is a deciduous shrub that is native to Europe and Asia. It is grown for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in the spring and its bright red berries that appear in the fall. The guelder-rose is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it will benefit from being fertilized once a year. The best time to fertilize this plant is in the spring, just before the new growth begins.

About light

Pruning viburnum opulus roseum is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant responds well to pruning, so don't be afraid to cut back any wayward or overgrown branches. When pruning, always make clean, sharp cuts just above a bud or node.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in early spring by rooting hardwood cuttings. Take 6-8 inch cuttings from last year's growth, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix, water thoroughly, and place in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in Europe, where the species is native. Studies have shown that the species has a slow to moderate growth rate, with an average of 10-20 centimeters per year. However, there is variation among individual plants, with some plants growing much faster or slower than the average. The species is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and its slow growth rate is generally considered to be an advantage in this context.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, canker, and leaf spot. For powdery mildew, try spraying the plant with a fungicide. For canker, prune out the affected branches. For leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them.

Tips on Growing

  • If you want to grow a viburnum opulus roseum plant, choose a location that has full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • Space your plants about 5 feet apart to give them room to grow.
  • When planting, dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's roots and just as deep.
  • Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
  • Backfill the hole with soil and firm it around the plant.
  • Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  • Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Water your plant regularly during the growing season, providing 1 to 2 inches of water per week.
  • Fertilize your plant in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant in

Similar Plants

  • viburnum opulus L.
  • Viburnum obovatum Walter
  • viburnum oleaefolium L
  • Viburnum oregoni Fendl
  • viburnum ornum auct.
  • viburnum ortivum auct.
  • Viburnum ovatum Pursh
  • viburnum oxycoccus L.
  • viburnum palustre L
  • viburnum paniculatum L., etc.

Source:
European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus) - misin.msu.edu
Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' habit: UIPLANTS
Viburnum opulus - plantfacts.osu.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category