Overview

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Viburnum, part of the Viburnaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include hedges, borders and specimen plants. It is native to Belgium and Brussels-Capital Region.

About

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' is a deciduous shrub cultivar of the Viburnum genus, known commonly as the red guelder rose or snowball tree. It grows bushy to a height and spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is suitable for all garden aspects and exposures, offering seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

About the genus

Viburnum is a genus of about 150–175 species of flowering plants in the family Viburnaceae. Its current classification is based on molecular phylogeny. It was previously included in the family Caprifoliaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Viburnum", CC BY-SA 4.0Viburnum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Viburnum

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Hedges, Borders, Specimen plants
Native to
Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'

Cultivation
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; water regularly during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth; remove dead or damaged wood
Propagation
Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Layering, Grafting
Pest resistance
Aphids, Viburnum beetle
Disease resistance
Phytophthora, Honey fungus, Grey moulds, Leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'?

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; water regularly during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Where is the best place to plant Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'?

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' need?

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

How do I prune Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'?

Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth; remove dead or damaged wood.

How big does Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' grow?

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.

Is Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' hardy in the UK?

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'?

Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Layering, Grafting.

More in the Viburnum genus

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