Guelder rose guelder-rose Guelder-rose (Viburnum opulus) is a hardy, native shrub with lacecap-like white flowers in late spring, followed by clusters of glossy red berries that persist into winter and feed birds. The three-lobed leaves color orange to red in autumn. It thrives in moist, fertile soils and tolerates neutral to alkaline conditions. The popular cultivar 'Roseum' (snowball tree) has showy sterile pom-pom blooms but no berries. Flowers are produced on last year’s wood, so heavy pruning in winter reduces next season’s bloom. The berries are mildly toxic raw to humans; some traditional uses involve thorough cooking and straining, but they are primarily valued for wildlife. Growing conditions LightFull sun to partial shade; best flowering and fruiting in at least 4–6 hours of sun. Soil typeMoist, humus-rich loam or clay; tolerates periodic wetness and calcareous soils; good drainage prevents root issues. Water requirementMedium to high. Keep evenly moist, especially the first 2–3 years and during summer droughts. Nutrient requirementLow to medium. Annual compost mulch is usually sufficient. Back to plant list
