 | Guelder Rose (Viburnum Opulus)
A hedging plant with a story to its name - it has nothing to do with roses and whilst its a British native plant, its also common across Europe and its name originates from the Dutch province of Guelderland.
Guelder Rose has something for every season but perhaps its most attractive feature is its prolific dropping juicy, transluscent red berries from September onwards (and sometimes earlier) which stay on the plant until after its leaves have dropped. The berries are slightly harmful to humans but relished by birds. The Guelder Rose also has most attractive fragrant, dense clusters of lacecap-like flowers in June/July. In Autumn, its foliage turns a fabulous red colour. Its also wildlife friendly - there are 17 identified insect types associated with the Guelder Rose.
To get good berries, the plant must flower first, so prune out old growth after flowering to encourage new stems that will bloom the following year. This species is considered self pollinating so it should be ok as a single plant in a mixed hedge, but if possible, have more than one Guelder Rose so that you're certain of pollenation to provide good fruiting.
Guelder Rose is good on most soils (other than very acid), and it does like a fertile soil so add organic mulch annually if possible. It performs best in sunlight, it also does well in light shade. It is particularly good in moist ground and wont like a dry situation.
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