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

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

Safety

Pets: The berries can cause stomach upset if ingested by cats or dogs.

How to identify it

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

Science

Family: Viburnaceae
Genus: Viburnum
Order: Dipsacales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your guelder rose looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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