Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

American cranberrybush is a deciduous viburnum with a dense, rounded crown, growing about 8 to 12 feet tall with equal spread. The foliage is lobed like a maple leaf, and the dark green color turns red to purple in the fall. White, flat-topped flowers appear May or June, depending on the cultivar, and ripen to a brilliant red in September and October. Butterflies and birds are attracted to the shrub. Useful in shrub and foundation borders, or in a hedge or screen. Many cultivars are available.

Grow in well drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Adaptive to a variety of soil types and pH. Shearing is to be discouraged; prune selectively as necessary to control size, though ideally it is left alone. Avoid shearing; prune selectively (see Guides).