Is it deer resistant?

It has moderate resistance but hungry deer may still browse the foliage.

Does it need pruning?

Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Plant guide

Guelder rose.

Viburnum opulus

Pronounced vy-BUR-num OP-yoo-lus

Also known as Crampbark, European Cranberrybush, European cranberry bush, European cranberry viburnum, European cranberry-bush, European highbush cranberry, Guelder Rose, Guelder-rose

The guelder rose is a lovely deciduous shrub that brings seasonal interest to your garden. It features beautiful white lacecap flowers in spring followed by bright red berries in autumn. You will love how its foliage turns vibrant shades of red and purple before dropping in the winter.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 10 to 15 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant this shrub in a spot with good drainage and plenty of room to spread out. Keep an eye out for aphids on new growth during the spring. Pruning right after flowering helps maintain a tidy shape for the following year.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer once in early spring.
Pruning: Prune immediately after the flowers fade to encourage healthy growth.
Repotting: If grown in a container, move to a larger pot every few years as it outgrows its space.
Soil: Moist but well drained soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -35 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Stunted growth despite regular feeding

Safety

People: Ingesting raw berries may lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Pets: The berries can cause stomach upset if ingested by cats or dogs.
Children: Keep children away from the berries as they look like currants but are not safe for raw consumption.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may trigger mild reactions in those prone to seasonal allergies.
Edibility: The berries are mildly toxic when raw and can cause stomach upset if consumed in quantity.

How to identify it

Three lobed maple like leaves
Lacecap white flower clusters
Bright translucent red berries
Vibrant autumn leaf color

Height: 2.5 to 4m
Spread: 2.5 to 4m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, 5 to 10cm
Fruit: red, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special protection is needed as it is fully hardy. Mulch around the base in late autumn to retain soil moisture.
In containers: It is generally too large for long term container growth unless a very large tub is used.

Softwood cuttings

1. Take 10cm cuttings in early summer.
2. Remove lower leaves.
3. Dip in rooting hormone.
4. Place in moist potting mix.
5. Keep in a humid spot until rooted.

Plant in groups to ensure better cross pollination and a heavier fruit set for local wildlife.

Grows well with

Hosta · They thrive in the same partial shade conditions and provide a nice foliage contrast.
Bleeding Heart · These perennials enjoy the dappled light provided by the shrub canopy.

Similar species

Highbush Cranberry · It is a North American native that looks very similar and is just as susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle.

Science

Family: Viburnaceae
Genus: Viburnum
Order: Dipsacales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe, Northern Africa, and Northern Asia.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in damp woodlands and thickets where it provides essential cover for nesting birds.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, winter food for birds
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, beetles
Uses: ornamental shrub, wildlife hedge, screening

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it deer resistant?: It has moderate resistance but hungry deer may still browse the foliage.
Does it need pruning?: Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Viburnum is the classical Latin name for the wayfaring tree, while opulus refers to the maple-like shape of its leaves.

Good to know

The common name snowball bush refers to the sterile flower clusters of the cultivar 'Roseum'.
Birds often ignore the berries until late winter when other food sources are scarce.
It is a classic choice for traditional cottage gardens.
The leaves turn beautiful shades of red and purple in autumn.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your guelder rose growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.