Highbush Cranberry

Viburnum trilobum

Highbush Cranberry blooms in spring with white clusters of tiny florets, surrounded by larger florets. Dark green leaves turn purplish-red in autumn, alongside drooping clusters of bright red berries. The berries soften and sweeten over winter, and are eaten by Cedar Waxwing and other birds …

More Detail
Plants 1 Gallon Pot
1+ $29.99 ea.
Availability: In stock
SKU
99780-GL
Cultural Details
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Moisture Medium, Moist
Sun Exposure Full Sun, Partial
Height 8' - 12'
Bloom Color White
Bloom Time May, June
Spacing 5' - 10'
Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Root Type Fibrous
Benefits Birds, Pollinators, Host Plant

Highbush Cranberry blooms in spring with white clusters of tiny florets, surrounded by larger florets. Dark green leaves turn purplish-red in autumn, alongside drooping clusters of bright red berries. The berries soften and sweeten over winter, and are eaten by Cedar Waxwing and other birds. The very-tart berries are excellent in jams jellies.

Indigenous to moist woods and lake margins, Viburnum trilobum prefers consistent moisture, but tolerates a wide range of soils and is easily grown in average, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.

This large, hardy shrub has a moderate growth rate of 1– 2 feet per year, reaching 8 – 12 feet high, and up to 10 feet wide. To keep it from getting larger than desired an annual pruning each year just after flowering can maintain the present size. The arching stems along with a dense rounded form make it a popular landscape choice as a screening hedge. For a solid screen, plants should be spaced about four feet apart. Viburnums flower profusely whether or not pollination occurs. However, poor fruiting will occur with only one Viburnum.

Keystone species in the Eastern temperate forest ecoregion, Native Viburnums provide excellent support for wildlife and pollinators, serving as host plants to numerous lepidoptera including the Green Marvel, and Pink Prominent moths.

Botanical Synonyms
Viburnum opulus var. americanum
Planting and Cultivation Notes
As a general rule, viburnums are not self-fertile, and cross pollination from two shrubs is needed for reliable fruit production. We recommend two to three Highbush Cranberry shrubs for ample fruiting.