Viburnum opulus aka Highbush Cranberry

Viburnum opulus is a leafy shrub that sheds its leaves. Gardeners know it as guelder rose or European cranberrybush. It belongs to the viburnum family, Viburnaceae. Its native range spans Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It also grows wild in Britain and Ireland. Despite its name, it is not a true cranberry. Its red fruits only look like cranberries.

Garden plants reach about 8–16 feet [2.4–4.9 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 10–15 feet [3–4.6 metres]. RHS gives a higher height limit of 26 feet [8 metres]. Many stems form a dense bush with a rounded outline. Branches spread out and arch, often reaching near the ground. Dark green leaves grow in pairs along the stems. Each leaf has three main lobes and coarse teeth. Small, cup-shaped glands sit near the top of each leaf stalk. Fall leaves may turn red, yellow-red, or purple. Some plants lose green leaves with little fall colour.

White flowers open in late spring and early summer. They form flat clusters rather than round flower balls. Large sterile flowers ring the smaller fertile blooms. Bright red fruits follow, hanging in loose clusters. They add colour from late summer through autumn. Some stay into winter, though they can shrivel with age. Birds eat the fruit, and the shrub hosts Spring Azure butterflies. Flowers, fruit, and leaves all give it value in borders. It also suits screens, hedges, and woodland gardens.

Grow it in sun or partial shade with moist soil. Rich soil with good drainage supports its best growth. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils can all suit it. RHS rates its UK hardiness as H6. Plants may take 10–20 years to reach full size. Removing old stems can renew the bush. Pruning after bloom may reduce the later fruit display. Aphids can twist new leaves and shoots. Other risks include borers, viburnum beetle, leaf spot, and mildew. Honey fungus, grey mould, and Phytophthora can also occur.

Fruit use needs care because sources differ on safety. PFAF records sour fruit for cooked preserves and jellies. It warns that unripe fruit or large amounts can upset digestion. RHS advises against eating the fruit and also warns about pets. The bark has a history of use for cramps. Fruit can yield dye, while dried berries can yield ink. This shrub can escape gardens and spread in North America. Its invasive tendencies may limit its value in local planting schemes.