Guelder Rose
(Viburnum opulus)

Viburnum opulus has flat clusters of white flowers, making it the ideal ornamental hedging species. In the Autumn, you are also gifted with some stunning red berries which complement the autumnal leaf shades delightfully and are seen as a great source of food for the birds.

Guelder Rose hedging has an average growth rate and can reach an ultimate height of 5m high.

• Growth rate: Average (20-40cm per year)
• Ideal height: 5m+ Tall
• Soil type: Normal, chalk, clay
• Exposure: Inland, exposed
• Aspect: Full sun, semi-shade
• Evergreen foliage? No

Guelder Rose is one of the very few plants that produces flowers and berries on the previous year's stem growth. If you have a healthy plant, it will easily grow new stems each year, meaning it does not need much pruning or maintenance- though trimming is generally needed to maintain its shape.

You should carry out any pruning near the end of Spring, removing any diseased, broken, dead, or overcrowded branches. It is possible to trim up to one third of the plant each year.

Please note that, even though trimming the plant will result in an impact of berry production the same year, the following year will have much better, healthier yields of flowers and berries.

For any hard pruning needing to be done to overgrown, old plants, it must be done later on in the year before Winter.

When should I plant Guelder Rose hedging?

Whilst pot grown specimens can be planted at any time of year, it is recommended that you plant Guelder Rose either during Autumn or spring, and similarly with the bare root season (November-March), throughout the dormant period. This provides the plants with just the right amount of warmth and water, without too much risk of drought or freezing.

How far apart should I plant Guelder Rose plants?

From plants as small as 40cm to as tall as 90cm, we recommend planting around 5 plants per metre in a double staggered row, or 3 per metre in a single line. Slightly taller plants can be less dense, but you can still plant at this density if you're looking for a thick hedge fairly quickly.

How to plant Guelder Rose:

With bare root plants, you must soak the roots for around 2 hours in a bucket of water before planting - you can alternatively spray the roots with a garden hose for a few minutes if the other option is impractical. Regardless, the roots must be wet before planting.

You will then need to dig a hole that is around twice the width of the root mass, but the same depth. If you have poor quality soil, ensure to dig an even wider hole (and a little deeper), and fill with half original soil and half compost/soil amendment. This will ensure your plants get as many nutrients as possible from the very beginning.

Then carefully place each plant into the hole, and gently spread out the roots a little. Ensure the plants are straight, and begin to backfill with the soil mix, patting down as you go along to remove any air bubbles.

Follow this by watering the plants very well and placing a 2-3" layer of mulch underneath the plants - leaving a few centimetres free between the mulch and main stem.

Please note that the soil must be moist but well-draining for Guelder Rose plants to grow effectively.