Guelder Rose
viburnum opulus
Also known as: ["Cramp Bark","Water Elder"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with showy white flowers and bright red berries, native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum opulus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adaptable to light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; adjust placement based on light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates cold winters; prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F) during growing season.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer if using; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; late winter for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sandy loam with good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Softwood cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; hardwood cuttings take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to shape branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/diseased wood, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, add fresh soil, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn brown; buds may fail to open; stems can become brittle.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; protect from harsh winds; cover with frost cloth during extreme cold.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil nutrients, use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the berries of Viburnum opulus. The toxic compounds are not highly potent but can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Viburnum opulus can cause mild gastrointestinal distress in dogs if ingested in significant quantities. The glycosides present may lead to mild digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicViburnum opulus, commonly known as Guelder Rose, contains glycosides in its berries that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested in large quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to digestive discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Viburnum opulus toxic to pets?
A: Mildly toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Q: Does Viburnum opulus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: How much sunlight does Viburnum opulus need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, making it adaptable to various garden conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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