Species

Viburnum trilobumAmerican Cranberrybush

3 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Redwing American Cranberrybush

Viburnum trilobum 'Redwing'

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum trilobum, the American Cranberrybush, is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to North America, prized for its three-lobed leaves, white lacecap flowers, and edible red fruit.

Redwing ('J.N. Select') is a distinctive cultivar selected for its new growth, which emerges with a reddish tint in spring. It also has excellent red fall color and reliable, heavy fruit production.

Uses & Benefits:

A four-season standout, featuring reddish new growth in spring, white flowers, brilliant red fall color, and drooping clusters of bright red berries that persist all winter.

The tart, vitamin C-rich berries can be harvested after a frost and used to make excellent jams, jellies, and syrups. It also forms a beautiful, dense hedge.

A keystone native plant, providing nectar for pollinators, foliage for insect larvae, and fruit that is a vital winter food source for birds like cedar waxwings and grouse.

SpeciesViburnum trilobumAmerican Cranberrybush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Fruit is edible and high in Vitamin C, but very tart.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun for best color and fruiting.
Prefers cool, moist, well-drained loamy soils.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the plant at ground level and backfill.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch.
Keep consistently moist, especially in the first year.

Pro Tip

For best fruit production, plant more than one shrub to ensure good cross-pollination, even though it is partially self-fertile.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in groups for a stunning berry display.
Use the fruit to make tart jellies and sauces.
Enjoy the brilliant red to purple fall foliage.

Don't

Don't let the soil dry out for extended periods.
Avoid planting in hot, dry locations.
Don't confuse it with the European V. opulus, which is prone to aphids.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful informal hedge or screenNative plant or wildlife garden specimenEdible landscape accent

Companion Plants

Amelanchier canadensis Aronia arbutifolia Cornus sericea Sambucus canadensis Ilex verticillata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Redwing American Cranberrybush questions

What zones can Redwing American Cranberrybush grow in?

Redwing American Cranberrybush is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Redwing American Cranberrybush deer resistant?

Yes — Redwing American Cranberrybush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Redwing American Cranberrybush bloom?

Redwing American Cranberrybush typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Redwing American Cranberrybush need full sun?

Redwing American Cranberrybush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.