Viburnum Opulus Compactum 20 Litre Pot 80/100cm September Delivery

Viburnum opulus 'Compactum', commonly known as the Compact Guelder Rose, is a superb, neat-growing deciduous shrub that packs all the ornamental appeal of the full-sized Guelder Rose into a tidier, more manageable form. From late spring, flat-headed clusters of lacecap-style white flowers smother the branches, attracting bees and other pollinators in abundance. As summer fades, these give way to brilliant clusters of translucent red berries that gleam like jewels well into autumn, drawing in birds and providing long-lasting colour in the garden. The lobed, maple-like foliage turns a rich red and orange before it falls, ensuring the plant earns its keep across every season.

Growing conditions

Aspect and position: Viburnum opulus 'Compactum' is a versatile and accommodating shrub that thrives in both full sun and partial shade. It performs particularly well when given a reasonably open position where it can show off its berries and autumn colour to full effect. It is fully hardy throughout the British Isles and withstands cold, exposed sites with ease.

Soil: This compact Guelder Rose is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including heavy clay, chalk, and loam. It grows best in a moderately fertile, moisture-retentive but reasonably well-drained soil. It is particularly well suited to damp or periodically wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for low-lying gardens, rain gardens, or planting near ponds and water features. Avoid very dry or sandy soils where possible.

Care

Watering: Once established, Viburnum opulus 'Compactum' is largely self-sufficient and requires little supplementary watering except during prolonged dry spells. Newly planted specimens should be watered regularly throughout the first growing season to help them establish a strong root system. Mulching around the base with garden compost or bark will help to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Feeding: This shrub is not a heavy feeder. An annual top-dressing of a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a generous mulch of well-rotted compost applied in early spring is all that is typically required to keep the plant healthy and flowering freely.

Pruning: Very little pruning is needed to maintain an attractive shape, as 'Compactum' naturally forms a dense, rounded habit without intervention. If tidying is required, prune immediately after flowering in early summer to avoid removing the developing berries. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed, and cut out older, less productive stems occasionally to encourage vigorous new growth from the base.

Garden uses

Planting suggestions: With its compact habit and four-season interest, Viburnum opulus 'Compactum' is an outstanding choice for mixed shrub borders, wildlife gardens, and informal hedging. Its tolerance of wet soils makes it ideal for rain gardens and waterside planting schemes. It looks particularly effective when grouped with other native and near-native shrubs such as Cornus, Ilex, and Crataegus, and it is an invaluable plant for gardens designed to support biodiversity, offering food and shelter for birds, bees, and other wildlife throughout the year.