Shrub · Viburnaceae family
guelder rose
Viburnum opulus
In short a 10-second read
Guelder rose (shrub) grows to 3–4.5 m tall and 2.4–4.5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. It flowers in April–May; the flowers are white. Hardy to −40 °C.
× spread 2.4–4.5 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −40 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
April–May · white
Pruning
prune after flowering (May–June)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −40 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does guelder rose flower?
In April–May; the flowers are white.
Does guelder rose tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does guelder rose need?
At maturity 2.4–4.5 m wide and 3–4.5 m tall; recommended spacing 350 cm.
Does guelder rose survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (13)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Viburnum opulus
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Viburnum opulus
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Viburnum opulus
- BfN (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) — Naturschutzfachliche Invasivitätsbewertung
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Viburnum opulus
- Wikidata (CC0) — Viburnum opulus
- RHS - Viburnum opulus
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow shrubs
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia
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