The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Viburnum opulus 'Compactum' is in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.
European cranberrybush
Viburnum opulus 'Compactum'
European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus 'Compactum') is a small, deciduous shrub with a dense, rounded habit. This shrub is a compact form of its species, growing to 3 to 4 feet tall with an equal spread. In early summer, it produces flattened clusters of white flowers, followed by bright red berries known as "crabs" in late summer that persist through the winter. Its leaves are dark green with a shallow saw-tooth edge and turn a purplish-red to burgundy color in the fall. Incredibly hardy and easy to grow in many climates, this shrub requires little maintenance and is great for adding texture and color to any garden.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flowers:
White Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Fruits:
red Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
European cranberrybush should be watered on a weekly basis. Deep watering is ideal as it encourages root growth. Depending on the season, the amount of water needed may vary. In the summer months, a good 1-2 inches of water should be applied each week. This can be done with a hose, a garden sprinkler, or using a watering can or bucket. During the cooler winter months, the plant should be watered less frequently, typically every 2 to 3 weeks. The soil should be allowed to dry out in between waterings, especially during winter, as too much water can lead to root rot.
sunlight
European cranberrybush is a semi-evergreen shrub that prefers full sunlight and at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Plant this shrub in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. When grown in full sun, the foliage will remain more lush and the flowers more plentiful. European cranberrybush may experience some scorching of the leaves in extreme heat. If the leaves become wilted due to too much sun, they will usually rebound in cool temperatures.
pruning
For European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus 'Compactum'), pruning should be done on an annual basis in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done by removing any dead or diseased branches and thinning out overly dense areas to improve air circulation. Also, if the plant is not fully compact, it can be pruned to maintain its desired shape. To maintain a more compact shape, prune side shoots back to the main stem or just a few inches above a bud. Do not prune more than 1/3 of the plant in any 1 year.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Viburnum opulus 'Compactum' typically starts flowering in late April or early May.
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Viburnum opulus 'Compactum' is in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.
