What hardiness zones is Viburnum opulus 'Nanum' suitable for?

Viburnum opulus 'Nanum' is dwarf European cranberry bush (dwarf guelder rose), a compact dense mounding deciduous shrub growing 1.5-3 feet (45-90 cm) tall and 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) wide. Dark green small 3-lobed (maple-like) opposite leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). Seldom flowers — this is a foliage and form plant grown for the compact mound of maple-like leaves, not for bloom or berries. Turns red to burgundy in fall. In Adoxaceae. Species native to Europe, northern Asia, and northern Africa. The compact dense mounding habit may become open and loose in heavy shade or in hot humid conditions — this loss of compactness is the primary aesthetic limitation. Viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) skeletonizes the foliage and can defoliate plants — V. opulus cultivars are among the most susceptible viburnums to this beetle. Not drought-tolerant — requires consistently moist soil. The small size and dense habit make 'Nanum' suited to low hedges and edging. Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is slow.

Native Range

Species V. opulus native to Europe, northern Asia, and northern Africa. 'Nanum' is a dwarf cultivar selection.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a low hedge, edging, foundation plant, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m). Compact foliage mound. Does not flower. Viburnum leaf beetle susceptible. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.

How to Identify

Identified by a compact dense mounding form (1.5-3 feet / 45-90 cm) with small 3-lobed maple-like opposite leaves that seldom flowers. The dwarf size and non-flowering habit distinguish 'Nanum' from the species type V. opulus (8-15 feet / 2.4-4.5 m, white lacecap flowers, red berries). In Adoxaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 3'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

burgundy

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Spring

Seldom flowers. Occasional stray blooms may appear in late spring (May-June) but consistent bloom is not expected. This cultivar is grown for foliage and compact form, not for flowers or berries.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rarely flowers — the dwarf form seldom produces blooms

Foliage Description

Dark green, small, 3-lobed (maple-like), opposite, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm); turns red to burgundy in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours — full sun for densest habit). Moist soil pH 5.5-7.5. Not drought-tolerant. Viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) — V. opulus cultivars are highly susceptible. May become open and loose in heavy shade. Prune in early spring (February-March). Deer browse. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.

Pruning

Prune in early spring (February-March). Shear lightly to maintain the compact mound. Remove any dead or damaged stems. The dense mounding form is natural when grown in full sun with adequate moisture.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic