Viburnum opulus 'COMPACTUM' cranberrybush

Cranberrybush is a low shrub offering three interesting features. The first of them, obviously, is the profusion of flowers in late spring. They are almost flat panicles composed of both sterile and fertile flowers that are followed by super-attractive vivid red, glossy berries from mid-summer. They are not toxic but large quantity of unripe fruit might cause vomiting or diarrhoea.

The leaves are palmate, three-lobed, 5-8 cm wide, mid green and partly glossy, changing to bright and deep red shades in autumn. The last feature is the shrub size – it keeps very compact and rather small as opposed to other deciduous viburnums. It grows slowly about 1.5 tall and a bit more wide in full maturity. Thanks to its compact shape it needs no pruning but you can shape it in early spring if needed.

Viburnums are not specific about soil needs. It should be well-drained, medium fertile and kept moist for a few months after planting. Grow it in full sun or partial shade. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 06-08-2011