shrubN. America Native

Alfredo Compact American Cranberrybush

Viburnum trilobum 'Alfredo'

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic, fruit is edible

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum trilobum, the American Cranberrybush, is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to North America, valued for its three seasons of interest: spring flowers, edible fall fruit, and vibrant fall color. 'Alfredo' is a compact selection, growing to about half the size of the species, making it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes. It maintains all the desirable characteristics, including flowers, fruit, and fall color, in a more manageable form.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Alfredo' offers outstanding multi-season interest in a compact package. It boasts white lacecap flowers in spring, attractive maple-like leaves in summer, brilliant red to purple fall foliage, and clusters of bright red, persistent fruit.

Its dense, rounded habit makes it ideal for an informal hedge or screen that doesn't get overgrown. The tart, edible berries can be harvested after a frost and used to make jams, jellies, and sauces, similar to true cranberries.

As a North American native, it is an excellent wildlife plant. The flowers provide nectar for pollinators. The fruit is a valuable food source for birds, such as cedar waxwings, and other wildlife through the fall and winter. The dense branching provides cover.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun to part shade with good air circulation.
This shrub adapts to most soils but prefers moist, well-drained loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's container.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water deeply.
Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

Pro Tip

Plant more than one cultivar for cross-pollination to ensure the best fruit set, although 'Alfredo' is somewhat self-fertile.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering, fruiting, and fall color.
Water regularly during the first year and in periods of drought.
Prune right after flowering to shape the plant.
Harvest berries after a frost for the best flavor.

Don't

Don't let the soil dry out completely for extended periods.
Avoid planting in areas where viburnum leaf beetle is a known, severe problem.
Don't prune late in the season, or you will sacrifice the fruit display.
Do not confuse with the European Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus), which is less desirable.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent multi-season hedge or screenWildlife-friendly border plantingCompact specimen for edible landscapes

Companion Plants

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite' Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' Fothergilla gardenii Panicum virgatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Alfredo Compact American Cranberrybush questions

What zones can Alfredo Compact American Cranberrybush grow in?

Alfredo Compact 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 Alfredo Compact American Cranberrybush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Alfredo Compact American Cranberrybush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Alfredo Compact American Cranberrybush bloom?

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

Does Alfredo Compact American Cranberrybush need full sun?

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