Species

Viburnum opulusEuropean Cranberrybush

2 other cultivars

shrub RHS AwardN. America Native

Compact European Cranberrybush

Viburnum opulus 'Compacta'

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum opulus is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, northern Africa, and northern Asia, known for its lacecap-style flowers, maple-like leaves, and bright red berries.

'Compactum' is a dwarf, dense, rounded cultivar that is much smaller than the species, typically reaching only 4-5 feet tall. It flowers and fruits reliably at a young age, making it suitable for smaller gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

A superb compact shrub offering three seasons of interest: white lacecap flowers in spring, attractive maple-like foliage in summer, and clusters of brilliant red berries with reddish fall color.

Its small stature makes it perfect for foundation plantings, small hedges, or inclusion in perennial borders where a larger shrub would be out of scale.

The flowers attract pollinators, and the persistent red berries provide a food source for birds like cedar waxwings in late winter.

SpeciesViburnum opulusEuropean Cranberrybush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Europe, Asia, North Africa

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if eaten raw in large quantities; cooking destroys toxins.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
Set the shrub in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch.
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
It is self-fertile, so a second plant is not needed for fruit.

Pro Tip

Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of bacterial leaf spot and powdery mildew.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture for best performance.
Prune right after blooming to avoid cutting off next year's flowers.
Enjoy the berries, which persist into winter.

Don't

Don't let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites.
Don't prune in late summer or fall.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact specimen for small spacesLow, fruiting informal hedgeMixed border accent plant

Companion Plants

Geranium 'Rozanne'Nepeta 'Walker's Low'Salvia nemorosa Spiraea japonica Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Compact European Cranberrybush questions

What zones can Compact European Cranberrybush grow in?

Compact European Cranberrybush is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Compact European Cranberrybush deer resistant?

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

When does Compact European Cranberrybush bloom?

Compact European 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 Compact European Cranberrybush need full sun?

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