Guelder rose - Viburnum opulus

Viburnum opulus, also known as the Guelder Rose, is a native bush found in damp undergrowth, even in marshes. With a naturally rounded habit, it is recognized by its palmate leaves, flat clusters of white flowers followed by small bright red fruits, and its beautiful autumn colours. A colourful, unpretentious countryside bush that adapts to any good garden soil that is not too dry.

The Guelder Rose is a deciduous bush native to Europe and North Africa. It now belongs to the Adoxaceae family. This very bushy bush, with fairly rapid growth, will reach about 3.50m (11.5ft) in height and 3m (9.8ft) in spread, depending on the growing conditions. Its low branches easily layer on contact with the ground, accentuating its thicket-like appearance. It blooms in May-June, in the form of flattened corymbs measuring 6 to 8cm (3.1in) in diameter; these corymbs are composed, just like in hydrangeas, of a crown of sterile florets surrounding a central disc of fertile florets. This slightly fragrant flowering is very melliferous and nectariferous. The fruiting is abundant and decorative, in the form of hanging clusters filled with round berries measuring 1cm (0.4in) in diameter, bright red and slightly translucent when ripe, much appreciated by birds. Its wavy, rough foliage is green, then turns to purple in autumn, so its interest in a garden is twofold. The leaf is divided into 3 to 5 acute-lobed with dentate margins. This foliage is absent in winter. 

Completely hardy, the Guelder Rose is a plant that thrives in sunny or semi-shady positions, in any ordinary soil that is rather moist, even limestone and clay. It can be used as a free hedge or in a mass planting. In a hedge, it can be combined with a variety of bushes chosen for their autumn colours (European spindle, burning bush, Smokebush, oakleaf hydrangea, Cornus), their spring flowering (mock orange, lilacs, serviceberries), or even for their beautiful fruiting (chokeberries, beautyberries, snowberries, wild roses...). Its graceful inflorescences can be included in your spring bouquets.