shrub

Guelder rose

Viburnum opulus

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) — a shrub, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium
Shademedium

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceNew leaves emerge after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 5°C.
floweringFlowers appear approximately 45 days after emergence, typically in late spring to early summer.
fruitingBerries develop after flowering, ripening from late summer into autumn.
senescenceLeaves change color and drop with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.
dormancyThe plant enters dormancy shortly after leaf drop, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moist
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, phosphorus
Soil textureloam, clay, sand
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseeds, cuttings, layering
Difficulty3 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for germination
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring_or_autumn

Wildlife & pests

Attractspollinators, birds
Can host pestsaphids, viburnum leaf beetle
Can host diseasespowdery mildew, leaf spot