Viburnum opulus var. calvescens
A deciduous shrub, up to 5m high though usually smaller in cultivation, with thick, corky bark and maple-like, palmately lobed leaves which turn pink, orange or red in autumn. Flat clusters of small white flowers with purple anthers, surrounded by larger sterile flowers, are produced in late spring and early summer. These are followed by large, translucent red berries that persist into winter
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Orange Pink Red | Red | ||
| Winter | Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
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 summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, if necessary prune immediately after flowering, though this will prevent development of berries
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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