How to Grow Viburnum Roseum - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Viburnum roseum is a beautiful, deciduous shrub that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family and has a rounded shape with dark green leaves. The shrub can grow to be 6-10 feet tall and produces white or pink flowers in the spring. The fruits of the viburnum roseum are red and berries that are loved by birds. The plant is easy to care for and is drought tolerant once established.

How to Grow Viburnum Roseum - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • American Cranberrybush
  • Guelder-rose
  • Highbush Cranberry
  • Rose elder
  • Snowball Tree

Things to Know

  • Viburnum roseum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 m tall.
  • It has dark green leaves with toothed margins and white flowers that appear in dense clusters.
  • The fruit is a red drupe that ripens in late summer or fall.
  • Viburnum roseum is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.
  • Viburnum roseum is generally disease and pest free.
  • It can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings.
  • Viburnum roseum is a popular choice for hedges and screening.
  • It is also often used in mixed shrub borders.
  • Viburnum roseum is deer and rabbit resistant.

Related plant:
Viburnum Opulus Compactum

How to Grow

  1. For viburnum roseum, first step is to choose the sunny location.
  2. The next step is to remove debris and weeds from the selected planting area.
  3. The next step is to till the soil to a depth of about 8 inches.
  4. After that, you need to spread 2-3 inches of compost over the soil.
  5. The next step is to make sure the planting hole is twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball.
  6. After that, you need to gently remove the plant from its container.
  7. The next step is to untangle the roots and loosen them up a bit.
  8. Then, you need to place the plant in the planting hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  9. The next step is to backfill the planting hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  10. The last step is to water the planting area deeply.

Related plant:
Viburnum X Burkwoodii

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, it prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some degree of moist soil conditions. This shrub is drought tolerant once it is established. Chalk, clay, sand, and loam are all suitable soils, provided that they are not waterlogged.

Light requirement

Just like other viburnums, the viburnum roseum requires full sun to partial sun in order to flower and produce berries. The sun requirements are not as stringent as other viburnums, so it can tolerate some shade. However, too much shade will result in fewer flowers and berries.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Viburnum roseum is that it should be kept in a cool to cold environment. It should not be exposed to any heat source as this can damage the plant. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the plant is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and drop off. If the plant is too wet, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. In fact, too much could burn the roots. A light fertilizer in the spring is all that is generally needed. As for the roots, they are generally very strong and resilient. However, if the plant is in a pot, it is important to make sure that the roots do not become too constricted.

About light

Pruning viburnum roseum, also known as the 'Bodnant Schneeball', is best done in late winter or early spring. This plant can tolerate either light or heavy pruning, so you can choose the amount of pruning you want to do based on the plant's size and your desired look.

About Propagating

Propagation of viburnum roseum can be done through softwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should have 2-3 nodes. Cuttings should be taken from the base of the plant. Place the cuttings in a potting mix and water well. Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is rather slow, about 6 inches (15 cm) per year. However, in ideal growing conditions, such as full sun and well-drained soil, the growth rate will be increased to about 12 inches (30 cm) per year. Also, if the plant is given a light trimming after blooming, this will also encourage faster growth.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. pests include aphids, caterpillars, scale, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with the use of insecticides. Diseases include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These diseases can be controlled with the use of fungicides.

Basics of Growing

  • If you live in a cold climate, it's best to grow viburnum roseum in a pot so you can bring it indoors during the winter months.
  • Place the pot in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
  • Water the plant regularly, but don't allow the soil to become soggy.
  • Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune the plant annually to keep it looking neat and tidy.
  • If you live in an area with high humidity, mist the plant occasionally to prevent the leaves from turning brown.
  • Watch out for pests, such as aphids, which can damage the plant.
  • If the plant becomes leggy, you can cut it back hard to encourage new growth.
  • Flowers typically appear in late spring or early summer.
  • Enjoy the beautiful fragrance of the flowers!

Similar Plants

  • Viburnum lantana Viburnum tomentosum Viburnum odoratissimum Viburnum erubescens Viburnum farreri Viburnum setigerum Viburnum plicatum Viburnum carlesii Viburnum dentatum Viburnum prunifolium
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Source:
European Snowball Viburnum - Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'
(DOC) Viburnum | Îgn?zio Saragih - Academia.edu
Viburnums for Every Garden | News - extension.iastate.edu

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category