American Cranberrybush grows well for those who pay attention.

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American Cranberrybush

Viburnum opulus var. americanum

Zones 2–7

Growing

This versatile shrub thrives in a variety of moisture conditions, making it an excellent choice for the edges of farm ponds or in areas with imperfectly drained soil. While it can tolerate damp environments, avoid planting it in droughty spots, as it prefers consistent moisture. For the best ornamental and fruit-bearing results, ensure your planting site is reasonably fertile.

If you are looking to create a natural wildlife border or a screen, you can plant these in staggered rows between open fields and woodland edges. When using them as a hedge, you can plant them in a single row for a narrower screen or in two staggered rows for a denser barrier. Because this is a slow-growing woody shrub, keep in mind that it may take five to ten years to reach its full-grown stature.

The bright red fruit provides significant ornamental value to your landscape, especially when grouped with other low-growing shrubs or placed near water features. Fortunately, you won't have to worry about serious pests, allowing the plant to focus its energy on developing its lush foliage and vibrant berries.

Stats
Sunfull sun
Watermedium
Grow time>150 days
Height3–6ft
Spacing>24in
Light
Full sun✓
Part shade✓
Shade✓
Traits
Life cycleperennial
Categoryberry
Growth habitshrub
Seasoncool
Frost tolerancehardy
Height3–6ft
Spacingover 24in
Days to maturityover 150
Days to bloomover 150
Native us✓
Growing
Watermedium
Drainagewet tolerant
Soil ph min5.5
Soil ph max7.5
Propagation
Seed✓
Cutting✓
Division✓
Graft✗
Tuber bulb crown✗
Transplant✓
Container ok✓
Pollinationself fertile
Pollinator friendly✓
Toxic parts
Leaves✗
Seeds✗
Raw✗
Spreadself seeds
Deer resistant✗
Drought tolerant✗
Toxic to
People—
Pets—
Livestock—
Post harvest
Wash before storing✗
Ripens off plant—
Curing daysnone
Shelf lifeunder 3d
Storage methods
Room temp✗
Cool dark—
Fridge✓
Freeze✓
Can✓
Dry✓
Ferment pickle✓
Blanch before freezing—
Bloom
Lengthunder 2wk
Colors
White✓
Yellow✗
Orange✗
Red✗
Pink✗
Purple✗
Blue✗
Green✗
Fragrant✗
Reblooms✗
Deadhead✗
Cut flower✗
Dried flower✗
Invasive
Statusnone
Regions
Northeast✗
Southeast✗
Midwest✗
Plains✗
Southwest✗
Mountain west✗
Pacific northwest✗
California✗
Hawaii✗
State noxious✗
Escapes cultivation✗
Pollinators
Visitors
Honey bees✓
Native bees✓
Bumblebees✓
Butterflies✓
Moths✓
Hummingbirds✗
Beneficial insects✓
Nectarmedium
Pollenmedium
Larval host✓
Specialist bees✗
Seed for birds✗
Calendar, zone 7
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sownonoyesyesyesnonononononono
Harvestnononononononononononono