- Botanical name: Viburnum opulus
- Common name: Guelder rose
- Family: Adoxaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Deciduous
White
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Autumn colour
- Flowers
- Fruits
The guelder rose, Viburnum opulus, is a hardy, vigorous native shrub suited to growing in woodland gardens or a shrub border. It offers interest for most of the year, bearing large, lacecap-like, white flowers from late spring to early summer, followed by bunches of small, bright red, fleshy fruit in autumn. Its deciduous, three-lobed, dark green leaves turn a striking shade of red before falling.
For best results grow Viburnum opulus in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to full shade. Once eastablished it will need little or no pruning.
How to grow Viburnum opulus
-
Plant size
8m height
4m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, east facing, south facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle, back
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade, partial shade, full shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / chalky / alkaline / acidic
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Fruits | ||||||||||||
| Fruits |
J
Plant does not fruit in January |
F
Plant does not fruit in February |
M
Plant does not fruit in March |
A
Plant does not fruit in April |
M
Plant does not fruit in May |
J
Plant does not fruit in June |
J
Plant does not fruit in July |
A
Plant does fruit in August |
S
Plant does fruit in September |
O
Plant does not fruit in October |
N
Plant does not fruit in November |
D
Plant does not fruit in December |
Viburnum opulus and wildlife
Viburnum opulus is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, makes a good wildlife hedge, has seeds for birds and is a caterpilar food plant.
Attractive to Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Attractive to Birds
Attractive to Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Viburnum opulus poisonous?
Viburnum opulus has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Viburnum opulus
