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White flower clusters of Guelder Rose in a spring gardenShrubs

Viburnum opulus

Guelder Rose

guelder rosenative shrubberry shrubbird-friendlyautumn colour

The Guelder Rose is a native shrub with broad, flat white flower clusters in May and June, followed by bright red berries in autumn. The foliage turns spectacular orange to red in the fall. The shrub provides food and shelter for birds and is a valuable addition for biodiversity.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade, Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
200–400 cm
Spread
200–400 cm
Hardiness zone
3–8
Family
Adoxaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
white
Wildlife value
bees, birds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial shade or sun in moist, fertile soil. The shrub also tolerates wetter sites. Apply compost annually at the base. Water during dry spells, especially in the first years after planting.

Pruning tips

Prune immediately after flowering by removing old and crossing branches. Avoid hard pruning — the shrub flowers on one-year-old wood. Remove dead wood in early spring.

Good companions

Purple fragrant flower clusters of lilac in springShrubs

Syringa vulgaris

Common Lilac

The Common Lilac is a beloved spring bloomer with dense, cone-shaped flower clusters in purple or white that release an enchanting fragrance. It flowers in April and May and becomes a highlight of the spring garden. Lilacs can grow quite large and remain faithful for decades.

Full sunMedium200–600 cm
Blue-purple hydrangea flowers in a shaded gardenShrubs

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.

Partial shadeMedium100–180 cm
White star-shaped bracts of Japanese Dogwood in summerShrubs

Cornus kousa

Japanese Dogwood

Japanese Dogwood is an elegant large shrub or small tree with striking white bracts that sit like stars on the branches in June and July. In autumn, raspberry-shaped red fruits appear and the foliage turns deep crimson. The horizontal branching pattern gives the tree year-round character.

Partial shadeMedium300–600 cm