Viburnum opulus 'Roseum', European cranberry bush
1 / 6
Deciduous Shrubs

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'

European cranberry bush

Adoxaceae

Europe, northern Asia, northern Africa (cultivar)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m)
Width8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m)
Maturity6 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
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' (also sold as 'Sterile' or 'Snowball') is a large deciduous shrub reaching 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m) tall with a spread of 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m), developing a broad, rounded, dense form. This is the 'European snowball viburnum,' one of the oldest and most widely grown ornamental shrubs in cultivation. All flowers are sterile, forming large, round, globular clusters (snowballs) 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm) across in May to June, opening chartreuse-green and maturing to white, then often aging to pinkish. The all-sterile flower heads are the distinguishing feature — the species has lacecap-type clusters with only a ring of sterile florets. Because all flowers are sterile, no fruit is produced, eliminating the wildlife food value of the species. Leaves are opposite, simple, 3-lobed (maple-like), 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, medium to dark green. Fall color is reddish-purple, variable. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) per year. Susceptible to viburnum leaf beetle and aphids — aphids can heavily colonize new growth and flower clusters, curling and distorting them. Good air circulation reduces pest pressure.

Native Range

The species Viburnum opulus is native to Europe, northern Asia, and northern Africa. The cultivar 'Roseum' has been in cultivation since at least the 16th century.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen, informal hedge, or screen where the dramatic snowball flower display can be appreciated, spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) apart. The large white flower clusters are excellent for cutting. A classic cottage garden and heritage landscape plant. No fruit production means no bird-attracting value — if wildlife food is desired, plant the species or var. americanum instead. Monitor carefully for aphids.

How to Identify

Identified by large, round, globular white flower clusters (snowballs) composed entirely of sterile florets, opposite 3-lobed maple-like leaves, and broad rounded habit. Distinguished from V. opulus (species) by all-sterile globular (not lacecap) flower clusters and absence of fruit. Distinguished from V. plicatum f. plicatum (Japanese snowball) by maple-like 3-lobed (not ovate, unlobed) leaves and upright rounded (not horizontally layered) branching habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 12'
Width/Spread8' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
green
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red
purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Large, round, globular flower clusters open chartreuse-green in May, mature to white, and often age to pinkish, lasting 3-4 weeks. The color progression from green to white to pink extends the visual interest. All flowers are sterile; no fruit is produced. Aphids frequently colonize flower clusters, causing distortion — inspect and treat early.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Chartreuse-green aging to white then pinkish

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

3-5 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. Aphids are the most significant pest — they heavily colonize new growth and flower clusters, distorting them. Monitor in spring and treat early. Viburnum leaf beetle can also defoliate. Good air circulation reduces both pest and disease pressure.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in June to July. Thin oldest stems at the base every few years. Remove crossing, dead, and diseased branches. Can become large and leggy if neglected; regular thinning maintains a more compact form. Rejuvenate by cutting all stems to 12 inches (30 cm) in late winter, sacrificing one season of bloom.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic