Viburnum opulus 'Nanum', dwarf European cranberry bush
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Deciduous Shrubs

Viburnum opulus 'Nanum'

dwarf European cranberry bush

Adoxaceae

Europe, northern Asia, northern Africa (cultivar)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-3 feet (46-90 cm)
Width2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Viburnum opulus 'Nanum' is a compact, dwarf deciduous shrub reaching 1.5-3 feet (46-90 cm) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m), developing a dense, rounded, mound-like form. A dwarf selection of the European cranberrybush viburnum, valued primarily for its compact foliage mass rather than flowers or fruit. Leaves are opposite, simple, 3-lobed (resembling a small maple leaf), 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across — smaller than the species, medium to dark green. Fall color is reddish-purple to burgundy, variable but sometimes attractive. This cultivar rarely flowers and almost never sets fruit — it lacks the lacecap flowers and red berries that characterize the species. The ornamental value is entirely in the compact foliage mass, seasonal color, and low, neat form. Growth rate is slow at 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) per year. The European V. opulus is susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle, which can severely defoliate plants — this is a significant concern in the Pacific Northwest where the beetle is established. Can develop dieback in severe winters.

Native Range

The species Viburnum opulus is native to Europe, northern Asia, and northern Africa. The cultivar 'Nanum' is a dwarf garden selection.

Suggested Uses

Planted as edging, in foundation plantings, low hedges, rock gardens, and the front of mixed borders where a compact foliage mound is desired, spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) apart. An alternative to boxwood (Buxus) for a low, dense mound effect in deciduous settings. The maple-like foliage and fall color add more seasonal interest than boxwood. Monitor closely for viburnum leaf beetle — if the pest is present in the area, consider alternative dwarf shrubs. Suitable for containers (minimum 5-gallon).

How to Identify

Identified by very compact, dense, rounded mound form 1.5-3 feet (46-90 cm), small 3-lobed maple-like leaves, and absence of flowers and fruit. Distinguished from the species by much smaller size and lack of flowers/fruit. Distinguished from V. opulus var. americanum by much smaller size, absence of flowers and fruit, and European (not North American) parentage. The dwarf, non-flowering habit is distinctive among viburnums.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red
purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

0
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Spring
This cultivar rarely produces flowers. On the rare occasions when sparse bloom occurs, small white lacecap-type clusters may appear in May to June, but this is the exception. Fruit is essentially absent. The ornamental value is in the foliage, not in flowers or fruit.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rarely flowers

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 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
loamclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils. The most significant concern is viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni), which can completely defoliate European V. opulus selections — monitor closely and treat if larvae or feeding damage is observed. Can develop dieback in severe winters or prolonged wet conditions. Mulch to maintain consistent moisture.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed due to naturally compact, dense habit. Remove dead and damaged branches in late winter. Light shearing in spring can maintain a tidy, rounded form. Remove any vigorous shoots that exceed the compact growth pattern. Rejuvenate by cutting back to 6 inches (15 cm) from the ground in late winter if the plant becomes open or shows winter dieback.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic