How to Grow a European Cranberry Bush

The European cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus) is an excellent choice for the home garden. Growing to an average height of 8 to 12 feet and spreading 10 to 15 feet wide, this bushy shrub is ideal as a specimen plant or planted as a screen. Showy white flowers resembling lace appear in May and give way to bright red berries in late summer. Plant the European cranberry for year-round enjoyment. Read on to learn how to grow a European cranberry bush.

European cranberry bush
Shovel
Knife or garden shears
Water
Mulch or other organic material

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a planting location. This cranberry bush is particularly adaptable, but does best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Although it will also thrive in partial shade, it may not flower as abundantly as it does in sun.
- 2
  Dig your planting hole. A good rule of thumb is to a hole four times the width of the root ball and equal the depth. The top of the root ball should be even with the surrounding ground after planting.
- 3
  Prepare the root ball for planting. Most balled shrubs come with burlap around the ball and sometimes a wire basket. Twine is often used around the branches to prevent breakage. Remove the wire and twine completely. Cut away the burlap so it covers no more than half of the root ball.
- 4
  Position the shrub in the planting hole. A shovel full or two of soil will help to keep the cranberry bush straight. Fill the hole with water and allow the shrub and surrounding soil to absorb.
- 5
  Refill the planting hole with the remaining soil and water again thoroughly.
- 6
  Spread mulch around the shrub and the entire planting area. A layer 2 to 4 inches deep is best to prevent weeds, retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

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