Species

Viburnum trilobumAmerican Cranberrybush

3 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Bailey Compact American Cranberrybush

Viburnum trilobum 'Bailey Compact'

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum trilobum, the American Cranberrybush, is a native deciduous shrub prized for its three-lobed, maple-like leaves, spring flowers, edible fruit, and excellent fall color.

'Bailey Compact' is a superior selection with a denser, more rounded, and compact habit than the species, making it better suited for residential landscapes. It reliably produces abundant flowers and fruit.

Uses & Benefits:

This shrub is a true four-season performer. It offers white lacecap flowers in spring, attractive maple-like foliage in summer, brilliant red to purple fall color, and bright red berries that persist into winter, often against a backdrop of snow.

Its dense, compact form makes it an ideal choice for an informal, low-maintenance hedge or screen. The edible fruits can be harvested after a frost and used to make tart jams and jellies, similar to cranberries.

As a North American native, it is an ecological powerhouse. The flowers support native pollinators, the foliage is a host plant for the spring azure butterfly, and the persistent berries provide a vital winter food source for birds like cedar waxwings and cardinals.

SpeciesViburnum trilobumAmerican Cranberrybush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

66 inches

Width

66 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Northern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic; fruit is edible.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and average to moist soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Set the plant in the hole with the root ball top level with the soil.
Backfill with native soil and water well to settle.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant more than one cultivar of Viburnum trilobum to ensure good cross-pollination, which leads to much heavier fruit set for you and the birds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, as it does not like to dry out.
Prune right after it finishes blooming.
Allow some older stems to be removed to encourage new growth.
Harvest berries after a frost for the best flavor.

Don't

Do not plant in hot, dry, exposed sites.
Avoid pruning in late summer or fall, as this will remove flower buds.
Don't let it get stressed by drought, which makes it prone to pests.
Avoid planting if viburnum leaf beetle is a major problem in your area.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent informal hedge or screenWildlife-friendly border plantingFoundation shrub with four-season interest

Companion Plants

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'Cornus sericea 'Arctic Fire'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bailey Compact American Cranberrybush questions

What zones can Bailey Compact American Cranberrybush grow in?

Bailey 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 Bailey Compact American Cranberrybush deer resistant?

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

When does Bailey Compact American Cranberrybush bloom?

Bailey Compact 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 Bailey Compact American Cranberrybush need full sun?

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