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Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'
European Cranberry Bush
Plant Type:
DECIDUOUS SHRUBSViburnum opulus 'Roseum' (syn. Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' and 'Sterilis') - Three-inch May / June pom poms emerge granny apple smith green, develop white but often gradually turn light pink as inflorescence age. This is the reason for the "roseum" moniker. This old, heirloom form of European Cranberry Bush that has been grown since the 1500's is sterile - no fruit... What?! No European cranberries??? Sigh. We're not sure why no fruit would be preferable although in areas where this fine shrub might seed about and be considered potentially invasive this would be the smart alternative. And it is perfectly beautiful in flower followed late season with red and yellow autumn leaf tones. If you desire a truly pink cultivar then might we humbly suggest the fantastic pom-pom flowered 'Kern's Pink' which appears to be also sterile. Part to full sun in fertile, draining soil. Established potted shrub from cutting.
More About Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'
- Heirloom introduced in the 1500s
- Sterile
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Characteristics and Attributes for Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Late Spring / Summer / into Autumn
Autumn Interest
- Autumn Leaf Color
Nature Attraction
- Deer Resistant
- Butterflies
- Honey Bees & Native Bees
Light
- Full Sun
- Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
Attributes
- Border
- Wildlife Garden
- Shrub Border
- Hedge
- Hedgerow
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Moderately Fast
Soil
- Fertile
- Draining
Origins
- Europe
Propagated By
- Cutting Grown
Genus Overview: Viburnum
Common Name: Viburnum
Viburnum. This genus is full of fantastic, multi-season garden worthy shrubs. Garden heroes. Spring flowers, often large and showy, many with heady sweet fragrance are arranged in cymes. Some smell of musk (Viburnum dilatatum) while others produce no fragrance at all. Flowers are followed with berries. If late season and autumn berries are desired then planting two of a species will ensure fruit set; for instance, Viburnum dilatatum 'Erie' and V. dilatatum 'Michael Dodge' will pollinate each other and produce fruit. Viburnum cassinoides is closely allied with V. nudum; but if the flowering times do not overlap then there will be no fruit. However, if you plant V. nudum 'Winterthur' in proximity with V. nudum var. angustifolium, 'Longwood', 'Moonshine' or 'Pink Beauty' berries will abound. Another interesting example is V. lantana which crosses with V. burejaeticum and vice versa. Any V. plicatum f. tomentosum selection such as 'Shasta' or 'Shoshoni' will pollinate with all other V. plicatum f. tomentosum selections like 'Copper Ridges or 'Pink Beauty'. But if you were to plant two 'Shasta' side by side with no other V. plicatum f. tomentosum in near proximity then your effort will be fruitless. As with almost all in the universe of plants there are exceptions. There is one viburnum which appears to be self-fruitful, Viburnum setigerum the Tea Viburnum. Another interesting exception to the rule is Viburnum nudum 'Pink Beauty' which is also self-fruitful - a departure from its siblings. And on the other spectrum are two I can think of off-hand that are barren, Viburnum plicatum 'Roseum' and Viburnum plicatum 'Kern's Pink'. Oftentimes, the dwarf viburnums reamin in a juvenile state and do not produce fruit. All Viburnum of any size that do produce fruit are magnificent in the late season garden. And they feed all manner of birds. Larger, denser shrubs provide cover and nesting opportunities. Nearly all Viburnum have terrific autumn foliage colors, too. Viburnums are members of Caprifoliaceae. All prefer part to full sun and fertile soils. All are cutting grown. Many thanks to Gary Ladman of Classic Viburnums who generously set us straight regarding some of the details we had originally incorrectly lauded... ya can't know everything!