Viburnum opulus Roseum

Viburnum opulus Roseum

Why Buy Me?

• Rich Autumn foliage colour 
• Large, creamy flower heads
• Attractive
• Hardy shrub

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for best flower and foliage display. In hotter climates, light afternoon shade may prevent leaf scorch.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Prefers rich, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, but adapts to a wide range of soil types including clay and sandy soils. Avoid dry or overly alkaline conditions, which can affect vigour.

Exposure:
Tolerant of both sheltered and exposed sites. Cold hardy (USDA zones 3–8) and performs well in temperate climates. Flowers are generally resilient, but severe late frosts may damage early buds.

Drought Tolerance:
Low to moderate. Prefers consistent moisture; prolonged drought may lead to poor flowering and leaf scorch. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and reduce stress during dry periods.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in early spring or autumn when soil is workable and not frozen. Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall aid root establishment.

Spacing:
Space plants 180–240 cm (6–8 feet) apart. Mature shrubs reach 3–4 m (10–12 ft) tall and wide, forming a large, rounded shape.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water deeply during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water during dry periods. Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually with compost, leaf mould, or bark to improve moisture retention and soil quality. Prune immediately after flowering—cut back up to one-third of the oldest stems to the ground to promote new growth and better flowering the next year. Avoid hard pruning of the whole shrub in a single season.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in late autumn. Can also be layered or propagated from basal suckers.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Produces large, globe-shaped clusters of sterile, snowball-like flowers in late spring (May–June). Blooms start greenish and mature to bright white, creating a dramatic floral display. Unlike the species, 'Roseum' does not produce berries, as its flowers are sterile.

Summer:
Dark green, maple-like foliage provides lush summer interest. The shrub maintains a full, rounded form, making it an attractive backdrop in the garden.

Autumn:
Foliage turns shades of deep red, burgundy, and purple, offering good fall colour. Although no fruit is produced, the foliage alone provides seasonal drama.

Winter:
Deciduous. Bare branches offer structural form in the winter garden. Suitable for mixed borders with evergreen companions to maintain visual interest.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Flowers are sterile and do not produce nectar or pollen, so they offer limited value to pollinators compared to the species Viburnum opulus. However, the dense structure can offer nesting habitat for birds and shelter for small wildlife.

Garden Use:
Ideal as a dramatic specimen shrub, in mixed borders, or as an informal hedge. Particularly effective in cottage gardens, traditional landscapes, or as a flowering backdrop. Pairs well with smaller perennials or spring bulbs for a tiered visual effect.

Companion Plants:
Combines beautifully with spring-flowering perennials and shrubs such as Alliums, Peonies, Iris, Spirea, and Weigela. The white blooms stand out against blue or purple tones and complement warm hues like pink, rose, or red foliage.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Viburnum opulus Roseum. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.