Key Facts
- Deciduous shrub in the Viburnum group
- Clusters of white flowers appear in spring
- Produces red berrylike drupes in late summer and autumn
- Valued for seasonal interest and wildlife food
- Tolerates a range of soils including heavy clay and wet sites
- Grows well in full sun to part shade
- Frequently used as a specimen shrub or informal hedge
- Berries can be bitter and may cause stomach upset if eaten raw
European Cranberry Bush is a deciduous Viburnum prized for clusters of white spring flowers and bright red berrylike drupes in late summer and autumn. It makes a showy specimen shrub or informal hedge and provides food for birds while tolerating a wide range of soils.
Identification
Deciduous shrub in the Viburnum group with flat clusters of white flowers in spring and persistent red drupes into autumn. Typical mature height ranges about 6 to 15 feet and spread about 6 to 12 feet depending on species or cultivar. The name Guelder rose is used when referring to V. opulus.
Where to grow and best uses
Grows well in full sun to part shade and suits borders, specimen planting and informal hedging where seasonal interest is wanted. It tolerates heavy clay and periodically wet sites yet prefers moist, fertile, well drained soil. Birds value the fruit, so it is useful in wildlife or mixed shrub borders.
Planting and spacing
Allow room for the shrub’s mature spread by spacing plants roughly 6 to 12 feet apart according to the listed mature spread. Planting season varies by climate and cultivar; choose a planting time when soil is workable in your area and avoid long periods of waterlogged soil that can harm roots.
Soil and watering
Prefers moist, fertile, well drained soil but tolerates heavy clay and damp sites. Good drainage reduces risk of root decline whereas prolonged waterlogging will damage plants. Best flowering and berry set occur in sunnier positions, while deep shade tends to reduce both flowers and fruit.
After-flowering care and pruning
Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and control height; heavier pruning can be used to renew older shrubs. Remove crossing or dead wood to improve air movement. Pruning choices will influence size and form so prune with the mature height and spread you want in mind.
Propagation
Can be grown from seed with cold stratification, by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer, by hardwood cuttings, and by layering. Seed-grown plants may not match the parent exactly while semi-ripe cuttings often root reliably in summer when tried by home growers.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does European Cranberry Bush grow?
- Growth rate varies by species, cultivar and site. Many reaches about 6 to 15 feet at maturity and can be managed with regular pruning to control size.
- When does it bloom?
- Blooms in spring, typically April to May in northern temperate climates though exact timing depends on local climate and cultivar.
- Are the berries toxic?
- Berries are reported to be bitter and can cause stomach upset if eaten raw. Information on pet toxicity varies by species so verify for the exact cultivar you grow.
- Can it grow in clay or wet soils?
- Yes. It tolerates heavy clay and periodically wet sites but prolonged waterlogging can lead to root decline, so avoid permanently waterlogged locations.
- How large does it get?
- Typical mature size is roughly 6 to 15 feet tall with a spread of about 6 to 12 feet depending on species and cultivar.
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