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Viburnum opulus var. americanum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

highbush cranberry

A bushy, deciduous shrub to 4m, with maple-like, 3-lobed, dark green leaves, differing from others in the species by the long terminal lobe, with brilliant purple-red tints in autumn. Flat clusters of lacecap-like flowers, composed of tubular white fertile flowers surrounded by larger white sterile flowers in late spring and early summer, followed in midsummer by translucent bright red fruits persisting into winter

Other common names
American cranberry bush
cranberry bush
Synonyms
Viburnum americanum misapplied
Viburnum trilobum
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 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 Red
Autumn Purple Red Red
Winter Red
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Viburnaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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

Correct

Plant range
N America

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 seed, sown in a cold frame in autumn, by softwood cuttings in summe

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

Pruning group 1 after flowering unless fruit is required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and viburnum beetle

Diseases

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

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