Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) is a stunning native deciduous shrub prized for its beautiful seasonal display, excellent wildlife value, and versatility in natural or mixed hedging. Its vibrant spring blossom, decorative berries, and brilliant autumn colour make it a standout feature in any garden or landscape.
In late spring to early summer, Guelder Rose produces flat clusters of showy white flowers that attract pollinators. These are followed by bright red berries in autumn — a valuable food source for birds — while the foliage transforms into vivid shades of red and purple. Hardy, fast-growing, and easy to maintain, it thrives in most soils and conditions.
Supplied as bare root plants for November delivery, Guelder Rose is an excellent choice for adding colour, structure, and biodiversity to hedges and natural planting schemes.
Key Features:
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Native deciduous shrub with beautiful white spring flowers
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Bright red autumn berries and fiery foliage for seasonal interest
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Highly valuable for pollinators and birds
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Hardy, fast-growing, and low-maintenance
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Supplied bare root for cost-effective planting from November
Planting & Care:
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Position: Full sun to partial shade
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Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and damp conditions
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Watering: Water regularly during establishment; low-maintenance once mature
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Pruning: Trim lightly in winter or after flowering to maintain shape
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Spacing: Plant 3–5 per metre for a dense hedge
Design Ideas:
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Plant as part of a mixed native hedge with hawthorn, dogwood, and field maple
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Use in wildlife-friendly hedging schemes to support pollinators and birds
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Ideal for naturalistic planting, garden screens, and rural boundaries
Final Thought:
With its showy spring flowers, vivid berries, and fiery autumn foliage, Guelder Rose is a superb choice for native or mixed hedging. Delivered bare root from November, it brings year-round interest, wildlife value, and natural beauty to any landscape.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Bare root plants are generally cheaper than potted plants.
- Variety: Greater selection of species available.
- Establishment: Often establish quickly in the garden.
Cons:
- Timing: Must be planted during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring).
- Initial Care: Require careful handling and timely planting.
Preparation for Planting:
- Soak Roots: Immerse the roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them.
- Inspect: Trim any damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors.
- Dig Hole: Ensure the hole is wide enough to spread roots out without bending them.
- Consider Cutting back: Cutting back by up to 1/3, especially on taller plants will reduce possible losses and improve plant establishment.
Planting Process:
- Plant Depth: Plant at the same depth they were grown in the nursery, indicated by the soil mark on the stem.
- Fill Hole: Backfill with soil, ensuring no air pockets around the roots.
- Water: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Possibility of Losses:
- Adjustment Period: Some plants may not survive the transition due to transplant shock or poor initial care.
- Mitigation: Proper planting techniques and aftercare, like regular watering and mulching, can reduce losses.
Aftercare Tips:
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protection: Protect young plants from extreme weather and pests.
Bare root planting is a straightforward, economical way to enhance your garden, provided you follow these essential steps to ensure successful establishment.
Full Guide to planting bare root can be found here
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.