Viburnum trilobum
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HIGH BUSH CRANBERRY
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Pronounced: vy-BURN-um try-LOW-bum
GROWING GUIDE
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Geographic Origin:
North America.
Plant Group:
Shrub.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-11, 14-20.
USDA zones: 2-7.
Mature size:
Height 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m).
Width: 12 feet (3.5 m).
Flowering period:
Late spring.
Flowering attributes:
Four-inch, snow white, lacecap flowers, followed by bright red, translucent berries.
Leaf attributes:
Dark green, five-inch, maple-like leaves.
Growth habit:
Rounded shrub.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in autumn. | Greenwood cutting and semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Pruning Methods:
Prune after flowering.
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Rainy Side Notes
I grow Viburnum trilobum as a deciduous hedge. Three years after transplanting with spacing about 3 feet apart, it reached 8 feet tall. In the spring the shrubs blossom with pure white, lacecap flowers. In winter I look out at the bare branches where the bright red berries add much needed color to the bland winter landscape. Underneath the shrubs I planted Helleborus orientalis, ferns, Tellima 'Robert Frost' and other shade tolerant plants.
You can let the birds feed on the bright red fruit or make jam for the family, or just enjoy the berry ornaments all winter long. Burgundy and red leaves end the season in fall.
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Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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