Viburnum Opulus - Guelder Rose

Viburnum opulus, commonly known as Guelder Rose or Snowball Tree, is one of Britain’s most attractive native shrubs.

Despite its common name, it is not a true rose. Valued for its long season of interest, it produces showy maple-like leaves that turn red in autumn, large clusters of white lace-cap flowers in late spring, and striking bunches of glistening red berries. Excellent for wildlife and ornamental gardens alike.

Can be trimmed as part of a mixed hedge in winter or hard-pruned in early spring to maintain shape.

This is the size and type we sell:

Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose 20–40cm Cell Grown

Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose 40–60cm 1+1

Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose 40–60cm 1u1

Professionally grown and suitable for hedging, woodland, and specimen planting.

Features & Benefits

Native British shrub with long season of ornamental interest

Large creamy lace-cap flowers in May/June

Maple-like leaves turning red in autumn

Bright red berries in late summer/autumn

Tolerates most soils, including damp, shaded, coastal, and exposed sites

Excellent wildlife value: flowers attract insects; berries eaten by birds

Applications

Mixed wildlife hedges

Woodland planting and margins

Specimen shrub for gardens and parks

Game cover and conservation planting

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 5m height x 4m spread

After 20 years: 5m height x 4m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Viburnum opulus

Common Name | Guelder Rose / Snowball Tree

Plant Type | Deciduous shrub

Growth Rate | Moderate

Mature Height | Up to 5m

Mature Spread | Up to 4m

Soil Type | Most soils; tolerant of damp, shaded, coastal, and exposed conditions

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 20–40cm Cell Grown; 40–60cm 1+1; 40–60cm 1u1

Maintenance | Trim hedges in winter if required; tidy damaged branches

Wildlife Value | Flowers attract insects including hoverflies; berries eaten by birds such as redwing and Mistle Thrush