Guelder Rose
Viburnum opulus
A deciduous shrub featuring deeply lobed, maple-like leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and purple in autumn, accompanied by clusters of small white flowers followed by translucent bright red fruit clusters.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Prefers consistently moist soils. Moderate drought tolerance once established, though prolonged dry periods will cause leaf stress and premature fruit drop. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- A multi-stemmed perennial deciduous shrub with an upright, rounded growth habit, reaching a mature height and spread of 8 to 12 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade in moist, well-draining soil. Water regularly during dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Prefers consistently moist soils. Moderate drought tolerance once established, though prolonged dry periods will cause leaf stress and premature fruit drop. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
Thrives in loamy, clay, or sandy soils with good organic matter content and medium moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soil pH levels from slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0 to 7.5).
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8
Growth habit
A multi-stemmed perennial deciduous shrub with an upright, rounded growth habit, reaching a mature height and spread of 8 to 12 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Late spring to early summer, producing flat-topped clusters (cymes) of sterile outer white flowers surrounding fertile inner flowers.
Propagation
Propagated easily via softwood cuttings taken in late spring or hardwood cuttings in winter, as well as by layering or sowing seeds in autumn.
Common pests & issues
Vulnerable to viburnum leaf beetles, aphids, and powdery mildew. Hand-picking beetles or applying appropriate horticultural soaps can help control pest outbreaks, while ensuring adequate air circulation prevents fungal issues.
Similar species
American cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum), which has similar maple-like leaves and red fruits but features petiolar glands that are convex with rounded caps, whereas Viburnum opulus has concave, cup-like glands.