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Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'

red guelder rose

A very popular, large, bushy deciduous shrub to about 3m in height, with dark green lobed leaves tinted purplish-red in autumn. Abundant, greenish-white or white sterile flowers in dense rounded clusters to 6cm across, occasionally maturing to pink, are produced in late spring or early summer; the flowers are sterile so no fruit is produced

Other common names
red snowball tree
snowball
see moreWhitsuntide boss
rose elder
snowball tree
Synonyms
Viburnum opulus 'Sterile'
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Red Orange Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Viburnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Viburnum can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple or palmately lobed leaves and clusters of small, often fragrant white or pink flowers, followed by red, blue or black berries

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade. See viburnum cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1. Tolerates hard renovative pruning

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora, honey fungus, grey moulds and leaf spot

Get involved

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