Guelder rose
Viburnum opulus · Viburnaceae
📷 Waitblock · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around guelder rose and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Viburnum opulus
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to June, white flowers in umbels
- Mature height
- 3 to 4 meters
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Europe, Northern and Western Asia
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Stunning as a hedge or standalone. Very hardy and undemanding, white flower clusters are followed by vibrant red berries.
The common mistake
Regular pruning prevents the formation of vibrant red berries: only prune in September after fruiting.
The pro's trick
Divide clumps or take cuttings in August: Viburnum opulus propagates very easily from branch cuttings.
Care
Light Exposure
The guelder rose prefers a semi-shaded spot but tolerates full sun. It thrives in areas sheltered from strong winds. Plant it where it receives at least 3 to 4 hours of daily light for optimal flowering.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during the first year and in dry periods. Water deeply once or twice a week depending on climatic conditions. Avoid excessive watering that could cause root problems.
Soil
The guelder rose appreciates fresh, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Enrich the soil at planting time with compost or decomposed manure.
Pruning and shaping
Perform light pruning after flowering to maintain a balanced shape. Remove dead or diseased branches as needed. Avoid severe pruning that would compromise the following year's flowering.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. Incorporate compost on the surface each autumn to gradually enrich the soil. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
The guelder rose is generally robust but can be affected by powdery mildew in humid weather. Regularly check for aphids, particularly on young shoots. Maintain good air circulation and remove affected parts if necessary.
Did you know?
The guelder rose was once called 'snowball' because of its spectacular, globular inflorescences, which were highly prized in Victorian-style gardens. In Central and Eastern Europe, the bright red berries are traditionally used in cooking to make jams and beverages, though they are little known in France. The name 'obier' comes from an old Swiss-German designation for the wood of this shrub, which was once exploited to make tools and everyday objects.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Japanese snowballViburnum plicatum
- PossumhawViburnum nudum
- Sweet viburnumViburnum odoratissimum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.